Methods and compositions of ecdysozoan molt inhibition

ABSTRACT

In general, this invention relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences involved in molting and the use of these sequences as targets for the development of compounds that disrupt Ecdysozoan molting, and are useful as insecticides, nematicides, and anti-parasitic agents.

STATEMENT AS TO FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH GM 44619). The government may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention features methods and compositions that disrupt molting and are therefore useful targets for pesticides.

Nematodes represent one out of every five animals on the planet, and virtually all plant and animal species are targeted by at least one parasitic nematode. Plant-parasitic nematodes reduce the yield of the world's 40 major food staples resulting in losses of approximately 12.3% annually. Parasitic nematodes also damage human and domestic animal health. Lymphatic filariasis and elephantiasis are among the most devastating human tropical diseases. The World Health Organization estimated that these diseases affected 120 million people worldwide in 1992.

The impact of nematodes on human, animal, and plant health has resulted in the search for effective nematicides. Benzimidazoles and avermectins are two common nematicides, which target microtubule assembly and muscle activity, respectively. Unfortunately, resistance to these compounds is increasingly common. In addition, these compounds can have toxic effects on humans and other animals. Moreover, these nematicides are not effective against all nematodes. Thus more effective and specific nematicides are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features improved methods and compositions for inhibiting molting in Ecdysozoans, including nematodes, parasitic nematodes, and insects.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., an insect or nematode). The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a cell expressing a mlt nucleic acid molecule or an ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule; (b) contacting the cell with a candidate compound; and (c) comparing the expression of the mlt nucleic acid molecule in the cell contacted with the candidate compound with the expression of the nucleic acid molecule in a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, where an alteration in expression identifies the candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.

In a related aspect, the invention provides another method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting in a nematode. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a nematode cell expressing a mlt nucleic acid molecule; (b) contacting the nematode cell with a candidate compound; and (c) comparing the expression of the mlt nucleic acid molecule in the cell contacted with the candidate compound with the expression of the nucleic acid molecule in a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, where an alteration in expression identifies the candidate compound as a candidate compound that modulates molting.

In various embodiments of the previous aspects, the method identifies a compound that increases or decreases transcription of a mlt nucleic acid molecule. In other embodiments of the previous aspects, the method identifies a compound that increases or decreases translation of an mRNA transcribed from the mlt nucleic acid molecule. In still other embodiments of the identification methods described herein, the compound is a member of a chemical library. In preferred embodiments, the cell is in a nematode.

Typically, a compound that decreases transcription or translation of a mlt nucleic acid molecule is useful in the invention. For some applications, however, a compound that increases transcription or translation of a mlt nucleic acid molecule is useful, for example, a mlt nucleic acid (e.g., W08F4.6, F09B12.1, or W01F3.3) that when overexpressed leads to larval arrest or death, or a mlt nucleic acid (e.g., C17G1.6, CD4.6, C42D8.5, F08C6.1) that encodes a secreted protease, which degrades Ecdysozoan cuticle and leads to larval arrest or death.

In a related aspect, the invention provides yet another method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan. The method involves (a) providing a cell expressing a MLT polypeptide; (b) contacting the cell with a candidate compound; and (c) comparing the biological activity of the MLT polypeptide in the cell contacted with the candidate compound to a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, where an alteration in the biological activity of the MLT polypeptide identifies the candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.

In various embodiments, the cell is a nematode cell or a mammalian cell. In other embodiments, the MLT polypeptide is a protease. In still other embodiments, the biological activity of MLT polypeptide is monitored with an enzymatic assay or an immunological assay. In other preferred embodiments, the cell is in a nematode and the biological activity is monitored by detecting molting.

In another related aspect, the invention provides yet another method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting. The method includes the steps of: (a) contacting a nematode with a candidate compound; and (b) comparing molting in the nematode contacted with the candidate compound to a control nematode not contacted with said candidate compound, where an alteration in molting identifies the candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.

In yet another related aspect, the invention provides a yet further method of identifying a candidate compound that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting. The method includes the steps of: (a) contacting a cell containing a mlt nucleic acid regulatory region fused to a detectable reporter gene with a candidate compound; (b) detecting the expression of the reporter gene; and (c) comparing the reporter gene expression in the cell contacted with the candidate compound with a control cell not contacted with the candidate compound, where an alteration in the expression of the reporter gene identifies the candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.

In various embodiments of the previous aspect, the alteration is an alteration in the timing of reporter gene expression of at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% relative to the timing of expression in a control nematode not contacted with the candidate compound. In another embodiment, the alteration is an alteration in the level of expression of the reporter gene of at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% relative to the level of expression in a control nematode not contacted with the candidate compound. In another embodiment, the alteration is an alteration in the cellular expression pattern of the reporter gene relative to the cellular expression pattern in a control nematode not contacted with the candidate compound.

In another related aspect, the invention provides a method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting. The method includes the steps of: (a) contacting a MLT polypeptide with a candidate compound; and (b) detecting binding of said candidate compound to said MLT polypeptide, wherein said binding identifies said candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.

In other aspects, the invention generally features an isolated RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprising at least a portion of a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule of an organism, or its complement, where the mlt nucleic acid is selected from the group consisting of any or all of the following B0024.14, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of any or all of these mlt nucleic acid molecules, where the RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprises at least a portion of a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, or is capable of hybridizing to a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule, and decreases expression from a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule in the organism. In some embodiments, the naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid had been previously identified as functioning in molting, but had not been identified as the target for a nematicide, insecticide, or other compound that inhibits molting (e.g., C01H6.5, C17G1.6, C45B2.7, F11C1.6, F18C12.2, F29D11.1, F53G12.3, F56C11.1, K04F10.4, T05C12.10, T27F2.1, Y23H5A.7, and ZK270.1). In other embodiments, the naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid encodes a component of a secretory pathway (e.g., ZK1014.1, H15N14.1, F26H9.6, Y63D3A.5, C56C10.3, ZK180.4, F57H12.1, C39F7.4, Y113G7A.3, R160.1, C02C6.1, E03H4.8, F59E10.3, K12H4.4, D1014.3, C13B9.3, F43D9.3). In other embodiments, the naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid encodes a protein that functions in protein synthesis (e.g., B0336.10, B0393.1, C04F12.4, C23G10.3, D1007.6, F28D1.7, F35H10.4, F37C12.11, F37C12.9, F40F11.1, F53A3.3, T01C3.6, T05F1.3, Y45F10D.12). In still other embodiments, the inactivation or inhibition of a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid produces mlt defects in less than 5% of larvae (e.g., C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1).

In preferred embodiments, the naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule is an ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule. The ortholog is selected from the group consisting of any one or all of the following M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709 AA161577, CAAC01000031, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.

In other preferred embodiments, the naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule is a Drosophila ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule. The Drosophila ortholog is selected from the group consisting of any one or all of the following ref|NM_(—)079167, gb|M90806, ref|NM_(—)079419, ref|NM_(—)080092, gb|AY075331, ref NM_(—)057698, ref|NM_(—)132335, ref|NM_(—)134871, gb|AAF51201, ref|NM_(—)136653, ref|NM_(—)057520, ref|NM_(—)080132, gb|AY094832, emb|AJ487018, ref|NM_(—)080072, emb|AJ011925, ref|NM_(—)078644, ref|NM_(—)132550, ref|NM_(—)079972, gb|AY089504, emb|X78577, gb|AY118647, gb|AY071265, ref|NM_(—)140652, ref|NM_(—)078577, emb|X58374, ref|NM_(—)134578, gb|AY058709, gb|AY060235, gb|AY052122, AY060893, gb|AY113364, ref|NM_(—)135238, ref|NM_(—)057621, ref|NM_(—)136498, ref|NM_(—)143476, ref|NM_(—)137449, gb|M16152, ref|NM_(—)057268, ref|NM_(—)139674, gb|L02793, gb|AY060635, gb|AC008339.

In other preferred embodiments of the previous aspects, the RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is a double stranded RNA molecule that decreases expression in the organism by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% from a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule. In other preferred embodiments, the RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is an antisense RNA molecule that is complementary to at least six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty, forty, fifty, seventy-five, or one hundred nucleotides of the mlt nucleic acid molecule and decreases expression in the organism by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% from a nucleic acid molecule to which it is complementary. In other preferred embodiments, the RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is an siRNA molecule that comprises at least fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, or twenty-six nucleic acids of a mlt nucleic acid molecule and decreases expression in said organism by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In related aspects, the invention features a vector comprising a mlt nucleic acid that encodes a MLT polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), positioned for expression, and a host cell (e.g., plant, animal, or bacterial cell) containing the vector. For some applications, the vector used is a vector described in Fraser et al. (Nature, 408:325-30, 2000), hereby incorporated by reference.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing or ameliorating a parasitic nematode infection in an organism (e.g., a human or domestic mammal, such as a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, dog, or cat). The method includes contacting the organism with a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA).

In a related aspect, the invention provides a method for reducing or ameliorating a parasitic nematode infection in an organism (e.g., a human or domestic mammal, such as a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, dog, or cat). The method includes contacting the organism with a MLT polypeptide.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including a MLT polypeptide or portion thereof, encoded by a mlt nucleic acid or an ortholog of the nucleic acid molecule, and a pharmaceutical excipient, that ameliorates a parasite infection in an animal.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition including a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), or portion thereof, and a pharmaceutical excipient, which ameliorates a parasite infection in an animal.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of diagnosing an organism having a parasitic infection. The method involves contacting a sample from the organism with a mlt nucleic acid probe and detecting an increased level of a mlt nucleic acid in the sample relative to the level in a control sample not having a parasitic infection, thereby diagnosing the organism as having a parasitic infection.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for diagnosing an organism having a parasitic infection. The method involves detecting an increased level of a MLT polypeptide in a sample from the organism relative to the level in a control sample not having a parasitic infection, thereby diagnosing the organism as having a parasite infection. In one embodiment, this method of detection is an immunological method involving an antibody against a MLT polypeptide.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a biocide including a biocide excipient and a mlt nucleic acid, or portion thereof, that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a biocide including a biocide excipient and an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), or portion thereof, that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a biocide including a biocide excipient and a MLT polypeptide, or portion thereof, or an ortholog of a MLT polypeptide that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other aspects, the invention provides an insecticide including an insecticide excipient and a MLT polypeptide or portion thereof, encoded by a MLT nucleic acid, or ortholog, that disrupts insect molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other related aspects, the invention provides an insecticide including an insecticide excipient and a mlt nucleic acid, or portion thereof, or ortholog, and disrupts insect molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other related aspects, the invention provides an insecticide including an insecticide excipient and an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA) that disrupts insect molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other aspects, the invention provides a nematicide including a nematicide excipient and an MLT polypeptide, or portion thereof, encoded by a mlt nucleic acid molecule, or ortholog.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a nematicide including a nematicide excipient and a mlt nucleic acid, or portion thereof, or ortholog, that disrupts nematode molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a nematicide including a nematicide excipient and an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), that disrupts nematode molting by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

In another related aspect, the invention provides a transgenic organism (e.g., Ecdysozoan) expressing a mlt nucleic acid molecule or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA) at a level sufficient to disrupt molting in the progeny of an Ecdysozoan (e.g., a nematode, a parasitic nematode, or an insect) breeding with the transgenic organism relative to a control nematode, parasitic nematode, or insect not bred with the organism. In various embodiments, the mlt nucleic acid molecule or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is expressed under the control of a conditional promoter. In some applications, for the control of a population of Ecdysozoan pests, a transgenic organism expressing a mat nucleic acid molecule or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, or portion thereof, under the control of a conditional promoter, for example, may be released into an area infested with an Ecdysozoan pest (e.g., a nematode or insect pest). The transgenic organism transmits the mlt nucleic acid transgene during mating with wild-type Ecdysozoan pests to disrupt molting in the progeny, and controls a population of Ecdysozoan pests.

In other related aspects, the invention provides a transgenic plant expressing a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), or portion thereof, where a cell of the plant expresses the mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor at a level sufficient to disrupt molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., a nematode, a parasitic nematode, or an insect) that contacts (e.g., feeds on) the plant relative to a control nematode, parasitic nematode, or insect not contacted with the plant.

In other aspects, the invention provides a transgenic organism (e.g., insect or domestic mammal, such as a cow, sheep, goat, pig, or horse) expressing a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA), or portion thereof, at a level sufficient to disrupt molting in a nematode, a parasitic nematode, or an insect that contacts, (e.g., parasitizes or feeds on) the transgenic organism relative to a control nematode, parasitic nematode, or insect not contacted with the organism. Such transgenic organisms would be expected to be more resistant to parasitic nematode infection than control organisms not expressing a transgene. In preferred embodiments, the transgenic organism is an insect host organism (e.g., blackfly) capable of being infected with an Ecdysozoan parasite (e.g., nematode) that spends part of its life cycle as an insect parasite and part of its life cycle as a human parasite. Expression of the transgene in the transgenic host organism inhibits molting in the Ecdysozoan parasite, and is useful in controlling a human parasitic infection.

In preferred embodiments of the above aspects, a mlt nucleic acid is any one or all of the following B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK62.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, ZK1014.1, H15N14.1, F26H9.6, Y63D3A.5, C56C10.3, ZK180.4, F57H12.1, C39F7.4, Y113G7A.3, R160.1, C02C6.1, E03H4.8, F59E10.3, K12H4.4, D1014.3, C13B9.3, F43D9.3, B0336.10, B0393.1, C04F12.4, C23G10.3, D1007.6, F28D1.7, F35H10.4, F37C12.11, F37C12.9, F40F11.1, F53A3.3, T01C3.6, T05F1.3, Y45F10D.12, or Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, F10C1.5, or a portion thereof, or an ortholog of any or all of these nucleic acids. In other embodiments, the mlt nucleic acid is a component of a secretory pathway (e.g. ZK1014.1, H15N14.1, F26H9.6, Y63D3A.5, C56C10.3, ZK180.4, F57H12.1, C39F7.4, Y113G7A.3, R160.1, C02C6.1, E03H4.8, F59E10.3, K12H4.4, D1014.3, C13B9.3, and F43D9.3). In other embodiments, the mlt nucleic acid is a protein that functions in protein synthesis and produces mlt defects in less than 5% of larvae (e.g. B0336.10, B0393.1, C04F12.4, C23G10.3, D1007.6, F28D1.7, F35H10.4, F37C12.11, F37C12.9, F40F11.1, F53A3.3, T01C3.6, T05F1.3, Y45F10D.12).

In preferred embodiments of any of the above aspects, a mlt ortholog is any or all of the following mlt nucleic acids: M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122, AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000031, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, 11744849, BG735807.

In other preferred embodiments of any of the above aspects, a Drosophila ortholog includes any or all of the following mlt nucleic acids: ref|NM_(—)079167, gb|M90806, ref|NM_(—)079419, ref|NM_(—)080092, gb|AY075331, ref|NM_(—)057698, ref|NM_(—)132335, ref|NM_(—)134871, gb|AAF51201, ref|NM_(—)136653, ref|NM_(—)057520, ref|NM_(—)080132, gb|AY094832, emb|AJ487018, ref|NM_(—)080072, emb|AJ011925, ref|NM_(—)078644, ref|NM_(—)132550, ref|NM_(—)079972, gb|AY089504, emb|X78577, gb|AY118647, gb|AY071265, ref|NM_(—)140652, ref|NM_(—)078577, emb|X58374, ref|NM_(—)134578, gb|AY058709, gb|AY060235, gb|AY052122, AY060893, gb|AY113364, ref|NM_(—)135238, ref|NM_(—)057621, ref|NM_(—)136498, ref|NM_(—)143476, ref|NM_(—)137449, gb|M16152, ref|NM_(—)057268, ref|NM_(—)139674, gb|L02793, gb|AY060635, gb|AC008339.

In other preferred embodiments of any of the previous aspect, the nucleic acid sequence is selected from those listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, or 7.

By “biocide” is meant any agent, compound, or molecule that slows, delays, inhibits, or arrests the growth, viability, molting, or reproduction of any Ecdysozoan by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even by as much as 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

By “Ecdysozoan” is meant the clade of organisms that molt. Ecdysozoans include arthropods, tardigrades, onychophorans, nematodes, nematomorphs, kinorhynchs, loriciferans, and priapulids.

By “molting” is meant the shedding and synthesis of cuticle that occurs during the life cycle of an Ecdysozoan, such as a nematode or insect.

By “disrupts molting” is meant that the process of cuticle shedding is delayed, inhibited, slowed, or arrested. In some applications, the molting process is disrupted by larval arrest.

By “mlt nucleic acid” is meant a nucleic acid molecule, or an ortholog thereof, whose inactivation (e.g., by RNAi) results in a molting defect or larval arrest phenotype in an Ecdysozoan. RNAi of a mlt gene results in a Mlt phenotype or larval arrest phenotype in at least 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even in 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% of the larvae exposed to dsRNA-expressing bacteria.

By “RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor” is meant a double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA, or portion thereof, that when administered to an Ecdysozoan results in a molting defect or larval arrest phenotype. Typically, an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprises at least a portion of a mlt nucleic acid molecule, or an ortholog thereof, or comprises at least a portion of the complementary strand of a mlt nucleic acid molecule. For example, a mlt nucleic acid molecule includes any or all of the nucleic acids listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7.

By “MLT polypeptide” is meant any amino acid molecule encoded by a mlt nucleic acid. Typically, a MLT polypeptide functions in molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., nematode or insect).

By “parasite” is meant any multicellular organism that lives on or within the cells, tissues, or organs of a genetically distinct host organism.

By “parasitic nematode” is meant any nematode that lives on or within the cells, tissues, or organs of a genetically distinct host organism (e.g., plant or animal). For example, parasitic nematodes include, but are not limited to, any ascarid, filarid, or rhabditid (e.g., Onchocerca volvulus, Ancylostoma, Ascaris, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris suum, Baylisascaris, Baylisascaris procyonis, Brugia malayi, Diroflaria, Diroflaria immitis, Dracunculus, Haemonchus contortus, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Loa loa, root-knot nematodes, such as Meloidogyne, M. arenaria, M. chitwoodi, M. graminocola, M. graminis, M. hapla, M. incognita, Necator, M. microtyla, and M. naasi, cyst nematodes (for example, Heterodera sp. such as H. schachtii, H. glycines, H. sacchari, H. oryzae, H. avenae, H. cajani, H. elachista, H. goettingiana, H. graminis, H. mediterranea, H. mothi, H. sorghi, and H. zeae, or, for example, Globodera sp. such as G. rostochiensis and G. pallida) root-attacking nematodes (for example, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Tylenchuylus semipenetrans, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Radopholus citrophilus, Radopholus similis, Xiphinema americanum, Xiphinema rivesi, Paratrichodorus minor, Heterorhabditis heliothidis, and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), and above-ground nematodes (for example, Anguina funesta, Anguina tritici, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Ditylenchus myceliphagus, and Aphenlenchoides besseyi), Parastrongyloides trichosuri, Pristionchus pacificus, Steinernema, Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides ratti, Toxocara canis, Trichinella spiralis, Trichuris muris or Wuchereria bancrofti).

By “nematicide” is meant any agent, compound, or molecule that slows, delays, inhibits, or arrests the growth, viability, molting, or reproduction of any nematode by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even by as much as 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

By “insecticide” is meant any agent, compound, or molecule that slows, delays, inhibits, or arrests the growth, viability, molting, or reproduction of any insect by at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even by as much as 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

By “anti-parasitic” is meant any agent, compound, or molecule that ameliorates a parasitic infection in a host organism. In some applications, an anti-parasitic agent slows, delays, inhibits, or arrests the growth, viability, molting, or reproduction of a parasite in a host organism.

By “ortholog” is meant any polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule of an organism that is highly related to a reference protein or nucleic acid sequence from another organism. The degree of relatedness may be expressed as the probability that a reference protein would identify a sequence, for example, in a blast search. The probability that a reference sequence would identify a random sequence as an ortholog is extremely low, less than e⁻¹⁰, e⁻²⁰, e⁻³⁰, e⁻⁴⁰, e⁻⁵⁰, e⁻⁷⁵, e⁻¹⁰⁰. The skilled artisan understands that an ortholog is likely to be functionally related to the reference protein or nucleic acid sequence. In other words, the ortholog and its reference molecule would be expected to fulfill similar, if not equivalent, functional roles in their respective organisms.

Drosophila melanogaster orthologs of C. elegans mlt genes include, but are not limited to, ref|NM_(—)079167, gb|M90806, ref|NM_(—)079419, ref|NM_(—)080092, gb|AY075331, ret NM_(—)057698, ref|NM_(—)132335, ref|NM_(—)134871, gb|AAF51201, ref|NM_(—)136653, ref|NM_(—)057520, ref|NM_(—)080132, gb|AY094832, emb|AJ487018, ref|NM_(—)080072, emb|AJ01925, ref|NM_(—)078644, ref|NM_(—)132550, ref|NM_(—)079972, gb|AY089504, emb|X78577, gb|AY118647, gb|AY071265, ref|NM_(—)140652, ref|NM_(—)078577, emb|X58374, ref|NM_(—)134578, gb|AY058709, gb|AY060235, gb|AY052122, AY060893, gb|AY113364, ref|NM_(—)135238, ref|NM_(—)057621, ref|NM_(—)136498, ref|NM_(—)143476, ref|NM_(—)137449, gb|M16152, ref|NM_(—)057268, ref|NM_(—)139674, gb|L02793, gb|AY060635, and gb|AC008339.

Nematode orthologs of C. elegans mlt genes include, but are not limited to, BG310588 in Onchocerca volvulus (e⁻¹²¹); BE758466 in Brugia malayi (e⁻¹⁰⁴); BG2271612 in Strongyloides stercoralis (e⁻⁸⁴); BM346811 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (e⁻⁸⁹); BG226227 in Strongyloides stercoralis (9e 24); BF169279 in Trichuris muris (4^(e−11)); BG893621 in Strongyloides ratti (2e⁻²⁰); BQ625515 in Meloidogyne incognita (3e⁻²⁵); BI746672 in Meloidogyne arenaria (6e⁻³¹); AA471404 in Brugia malayi (2e⁻⁶⁸); BE579677 in Strongyloides stercoralis (2e⁻⁵³); BI500192 in Pristionchus pacificus (2e⁻⁶⁹); BI782938 in Ascaris suum (9e⁻⁵²); BI073876 in Strongyloides ratti (1e⁻⁴¹); BF060055 in Haemonchus contortus (4e⁻¹⁸); AI723670 in Brugia malayi (8e⁻⁴⁰); BI746256 in Meloidogyne arenaria (3.⁰⁰e⁻¹⁵); BM882137 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (6e⁻³³); BM277122 in Trichuris muris (6e⁻¹⁵); BM880769 in Meloidogyne incognita (3e⁻⁴¹); BI501765 in Meloidogyne arenaria; BE581131 in Strongyloides stercoralis (1e⁻³⁴); AI5399702 in Onchocerca volvulus (e⁻³⁸); BE5802318 in Strongyloides stercoralis (e⁻³⁵); BE2389166 in Meloidogyne incognita (e⁻¹⁷); BE580288 in Strongyloides stercoralis, AA161577 in Brugia malayi (e⁻³⁹); CAAC01000016 in C. briggsae; BI744615 in Meloidogyne javanica (4e-44); BG224680 Strongyloides stercoralis (4e⁻⁴⁴); AW114337 Pristionchus pacificus (e⁻⁴¹), BM281377 in Ascaris suum (2e⁻⁴¹); BU585500 in Ascaris lumbricoides, BG577863 in Trichuris muris (e⁻²⁴); BQ091075 in Strongyloides ratti (6e⁻¹⁴); AW257707 in Onchocerca volvulus; BF014893 in Strongyloides stercoralis (7e-³⁵); BQ613344 in Meloidogyne incognita (5e⁻⁴⁷); CAAC01000088 in C. Briggsae, BG735742 in Meloidogyne javanica (4e⁻¹⁴); CAAC01000028; AA110597 in Brugia malayi (3e⁻⁵⁶); BI863834 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (3e⁻⁶⁹); AI987143 in Pristionchus pacificus (3e⁻⁶⁰); BI782814 in Ascaris suum; BI744849 in Meloidogyne javanica; and BG735807 in Meloidogyne javanica (6e⁻³⁸).

Of particular interest are orthologs of the following genes: B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5. Other mlt genes may be identified using the methods of the invention described herein.

By “portion” is meant a fragment of a protein or nucleic acid that is substantially identical to a reference protein or nucleic acid, and retains at least 50% or 75%, more preferably 80%, 90%, or 95%, or even 99% of the biological activity of the reference protein or nucleic acid using a molting assay as described herein.

By “isolated polynucleotide” is meant a nucleic acid (e.g., a DNA) that is free of the genes, which, in the naturally occurring genome of the organism from which the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is derived, flank the gene. The term therefore includes, for example, a recombinant DNA that is incorporated into a vector; into an autonomously replicating plasmid or virus; or into the genomic DNA of a prokaryote or eukaryote; or that exists as a separate molecule (for example, a cDNA or a genomic or cDNA fragment produced by PCR or restriction endonuclease digestion) independent of other sequences. In addition, the term includes an RNA molecule that is transcribed from a DNA molecule, as well as a recombinant DNA that is part of a hybrid gene encoding additional polypeptide sequence.

By “polypeptide” is meant any chain of amino acids, regardless of length or post-translational modification (for example, glycosylation or phosphorylation).

By an “isolated polypeptide” is meant a polypeptide of the invention that has been separated from components that naturally accompany it. Typically, the polypeptide is isolated when it is at least 60%, by weight, free from the proteins and naturally occurring organic molecules with which it is naturally associated. Preferably, the preparation is at least 75%, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 99%, by weight, a polypeptide of the invention. An isolated polypeptide of the invention may be obtained, for example, by extraction from a natural source, by expression of a recombinant nucleic acid encoding such a polypeptide; or by chemically synthesizing the protein. Purity can be measured by any appropriate method, for example, column chromatography, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, or by HPLC analysis.

By “substantially identical” is meant a polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule exhibiting at least 50% identity to a reference amino acid sequence (for example, any one of the amino acid sequences described herein) or nucleic acid sequence (for example, any one of the nucleic acid sequences described herein). Preferably, such a sequence is at least 60%, more preferably 80%, and most preferably 90% or even 95% identical at the amino acid level or nucleic acid to the sequence used for comparison.

Sequence identity is typically measured using sequence analysis software (for example, Sequence Analysis Software Package of the Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, 1710 University Avenue, Madison, Wis. 53705, BLAST, BESTFIT, GAP, or PILEUP/PRETTYBOX programs). Such software matches identical or similar sequences by assigning degrees of homology to various substitutions, deletions, and/or other modifications. Conservative substitutions typically include substitutions within the following groups: glycine, alanine; valine, isoleucine, leucine; aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamine; serine, threonine; lysine, arginine; and phenylalanine, tyrosine. In an exemplary approach to determining the degree of identity, a BLAST program may be used, with a probability score between e⁻³ and e⁻¹⁰⁰ indicating a closely related sequence.

By “transformed cell” is meant a cell into which (or into an ancestor of which) has been introduced, by means of recombinant DNA techniques, a polynucleotide molecule encoding (as used herein) a polypeptide of the invention.

By “positioned for expression” is meant that the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a DNA molecule) is positioned adjacent to a DNA sequence that directs transcription and translation of the sequence (i.e., facilitates the production of, for example, a recombinant polypeptide of the invention, or an RNA molecule).

By “specifically binds” is meant a compound or antibody which recognizes and binds a polypeptide of the invention, but which does not substantially recognize and bind other molecules in a sample, for example, a biological sample, which naturally includes a polypeptide of the invention.

By “derived from” is meant isolated from or having the sequence of a naturally occurring sequence (e.g., a cDNA, genomic DNA, synthetic, or combination thereof).

By “immunological assay” is meant an assay that relies on an immunological reaction, for example, antibody binding to an antigen. Examples of immunological assays include ELISAs, Western blots, immunoprecipitations, and other assays known to the skilled artisan.

By “anti-sense” is meant a nucleic acid sequence, regardless of length, that is complementary to the coding strand or mRNA of a nucleic acid sequence. In one embodiment, an antisense RNA is introduced to an individual cell, tissue, organ, or to a whole animals. Desirably the anti-sense nucleic acid is capable of decreasing the expression or biological activity of a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the decrease in expression or biological activity is at least 10%, relative to a control, more desirably 25%, and most desirably 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more. The anti-sense nucleic acid may contain a modified backbone, for example, phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, or other modified backbones known in the art, or may contain non-natural internucleoside linkages.

By “double stranded RNA” is meant a complementary pair of sense and antisense RNAs regardless of length. In one embodiment, these dsRNAs are introduced to an individual cell, tissue, organ, or to a whole animals. For example, they may be introduced systemically via the bloodstream. Desirably, the double stranded RNA is capable of decreasing the expression or biological activity of a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the decrease in expression or biological activity is at least 10%, relative to a control, more desirably 25%, and most desirably 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more. The anti-sense nucleic acid may contain a modified backbone, for example, phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, or other modified backbones known in the art, or may contain non-natural internucleoside linkages.

By “siRNA” is meant a double stranded RNA that complements a region of an mRNA. Optimally, an siRNA is 21, 22, 23, or 24 nucleotides in length and has a 2 base overhang at its 3′ end. siRNAs can be introduced to an individual cell, tissue, organ, or to a whole animals. For example, they may be introduced systemically via the bloodstream. Such siRNAs are used to downregulate mRNA levels or promoter activity. Desirably, the siRNA is capable of decreasing the expression or biological activity of a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the decrease in expression or biological activity is at least 10%, relative to a control, more desirably 25%, and most desirably 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more. The siRNA may contain a modified backbone, for example, phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, or other modified backbones known in the art, or may contain non-natural internucleoside linkages.

By “hybridize” is meant pair to form a double-stranded molecule between complementary polynucleotide sequences (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), or portions thereof, under various conditions of stringency. (See, e.g., Wahl, G. M. and S. L. Berger (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:399; Kimmel, A. R. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:507) For example, stringent salt concentration will ordinarily be less than about 750 mM NaCl and 75 mM trisodium citrate, preferably less than about 500 mM NaCl and 50 mM trisodium citrate, and most preferably less than about 250 mM NaCl and 25 mM trisodium citrate. Low stringency hybridization can be obtained in the absence of organic solvent, e.g., formamide, while high stringency hybridization can be obtained in the presence of at least about 35% formamide, and most preferably at least about 50% formamide. Stringent temperature conditions will ordinarily include temperatures of at least about 30° C., more preferably of at least about 37° C., and most preferably of at least about 42° C. Varying additional parameters, such as hybridization time, the concentration of detergent, e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the inclusion or exclusion of carrier DNA, are well known to those skilled in the art. Various levels of stringency are accomplished by combining these various conditions as needed. In a preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 30° C. in 750 mM NaCl, 75 mM trisodium citrate, and 1% SDS. In a more preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 37° C. in 500 mM NaCl, 50 mM trisodium citrate, 1% SDS, 35% formamide, and 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA (ssDNA). In a most preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 42° C. in 250 mM NaCl, 25 mM trisodium citrate, 1% SDS, 50% formamide, and 200 μg/ml ssDNA. Useful variations on these conditions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

For most applications, washing steps that follow hybridization will also vary in stringency. Wash stringency conditions can be defined by salt concentration and by temperature. As above, wash stringency can be increased by decreasing salt concentration or by increasing temperature. For example, stringent salt concentration for the wash steps will preferably be less than about 30 mM NaCl and 3 mM trisodium citrate, and most preferably less than about 15 mM NaCl and 1.5 mM trisodium citrate. Stringent temperature conditions for the wash steps will ordinarily include a temperature of at least about 25° C., more preferably of at least about 42° C., and most preferably of at least about 68° C. In a preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 25° C. in 30 mM NaCl, 3 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. In a more preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 42° C. in 15 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. In a most preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 68° C. in 15 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. Additional variations on these conditions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Hybridization techniques are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in Benton and Davis (Science 196:180, 1977); Grunstein and Hogness (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 72:3961, 1975); Ausubel et al. (Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley Interscience, New York, 2001); Berger and Kimmel (Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, 1987, Academic Press, New York); and Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.

By “transgene” is meant any piece of DNA which is inserted by artifice into a cell and typically becomes part of the genome of the organism which develops from that cell. Such a transgene may include a gene that is partly or entirely heterologous (i.e., foreign) to the transgenic organism, or may represent a gene homologous to an endogenous gene of the organism. A transgene of the invention may encode a MLT polypeptide or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor.

By “transgenic” is meant any cell which includes a DNA sequence which is inserted by artifice into a cell and becomes part of the genome of the organism which develops from that cell, or part of a heritable extra chromosomal array. As used herein, transgenic organisms may be either transgenic vertebrates, such as domestic mammals (e.g., sheep, cow, goat, or horse), mice, or rats, transgenic invertebrates, such as insects or nematodes, or transgenic plants.

By “cell” is meant a single-cellular organism, cell from a multi-cellular organism, or it may be a cell contained in a multi-cellular organism.

By “differentially expressed” is meant a difference in the expression level of a nucleic acid. This difference may be either an increase or a decrease in expression, when compared to control conditions.

By “therapeutic compound” is meant a substance that affects the function of an organism. Such a compound may be, for example, an isolated naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, or synthetic agent. For example, a therapeutic compound may be a drug that targets a parasite infecting a host organism. A therapeutic compound may decrease, suppress, attenuate, diminish, arrest, or stabilize the development or progression of disease, disorder, or infection in a eukaryotic host organism.

The invention provides for compositions and methods useful for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., a parasitic nematode, nematode or insect). Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E are micrographs showing Mlt phenotypes associated with RNAi of mlt-24, mlt-18, mlt-12, and mlt-13 in nematodes visualized using Nomarski optics. FIGS. 1A and 1B are micrographs showing the Mlt phenotype of a mlt-24(RNAi) nematode. FIG. 1C is a micrograph showing the Mlt phenotype of a mlt-18(RNAi) nematode. FIG. 1D is a micrograph showing the Mlt phenotype of a mlt-12(RNAi) nematode. FIG. 1E is a micrograph showing the Mlt phenotype of a mlt-13(RNAi) nematode. Black arrows indicate where excess cuticle remains attached to the larvae.

FIGS. 2A-2D show that molting genes are expressed in a pulse before each molt. FIG. 2A is a series of micrographs showing fluorescence from mlt-12::gfp-pest early in L1, at the L1/L2 molt, and early in L2. The L2 larvae was fluorescent before molting. Black arrows indicate cuticle separated from the body. FIGS. 2B and 2C are graphs showing the percentage of worms that were fluorescent over time, on a scale normalized to the period between molts for each worm under observation. The bar at the top of the graph indicates the worm's developmental stage. FIG. 2B shows results for Ex[mlt-12::gfp-pest] (dashed line) or Ex[mlt-10::gfp-pest] (solid line) larvae scored for detectable fluorescence and for molting once per hour from late in the L1 stage until early adulthood. FIG. 2C shows cycling fluorescence in worms expressing mlt-13::gfp-pest (dashed line) or mlt-18::gfp-pest (solid line), observed in the hypodermis and seam cells. FIG. 2C shows Northern analysis of mlt-10 messenger RNA levels. Ribosomal RNA stained with ethidium-bromide provides a loading control.

FIGS. 3A-3H are micrographs showing GFP fluorescence associated with Pmlt-18::GFP-PEST and Pmlt-13::GFP-PEST expression in transgenic nematodes. FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3E are micrographs showing GFP fluorescence in transgenic Pmlt-18::GFP-PEST expressing nematodes during early L1, L1/L2 molt, and early L2. FIGS. 3B, 3D, and 3F are micrographs of nematodes visualized using Nomarski optics. The black arrow in FIG. 2D indicates shedding of the cuticle at the L1/L2 molt. Worms were synchronized after hatching and monitored through larval development. FIGS. 3G and 3H are micrographs of nematodes showing GFP fluorescence in transgenic Pmlt-13::GFP-PEST expressing nematodes during early L2 and L1/L2 molt. The inset in FIGS. 3G and 3H is a micrograph of the transgenic nematode visualized using Nomarski optics.

FIG. 4A is a graph showing the percentage of animals that were fluorescent before a defective molt, normalized to the percentage of control larvae that were fluorescent before molting from the same stage. Ex[mlt-12::gfp-pest], indicated with black bars, or Ex[mlt-10::gfp-pest] larvae, indicated with gray bars, were fed bacteria expressing dsRNA for each gene indicated. “n” indicates the number of larvae observed. Pairwise chi-square tests indicated that the decreased fraction of fluorescent Ex[mlt-12::gfp-pest] larvae after RNAi of nhr-23 or acn-1, and of fluorescent Ex[mlt-10::gfp-pest] larvae after RNAi of nhr-23, acn-1, or mlt-12, relative to control animals, is significant, with p<0.001 in all 5 tests.

FIG. 4B is a graph that shows the percentage of late L4 larvae with detectable fluorescence, for selected gene inactivations. Ex[mlt-10::gfp-pest] larvae were fed bacteria expressing dsRNA for each gene indicated. Values represent the weighted average of two independent trials.

FIGS. 5A-5G are a series of micrographs showing expression of molting gene gfp fusion genes in worms. FIGS. 5A-C show expression from mlt-24::gfp-pest. FIG. 5A shows fluorescence in the hypodermis (arrow) and seam cells (arrowhead) of an L4 larvae. FIG. 5B shows fluorescence in the rectal gland. The solid line traces the tail of the worm, the dashed line outlines the intestine. FIG. 5C is a pair of micrographs showing fluorescence and Nomarski images of the vulva of a young adult. FIG. 5D-5F are micrographs showing expression of acn-1::gfp-pest in a worm. FIG. 5D shows fluorescence in the excretory gland, duct, and pore cells (Exc), and in the glial cells (G) of interlabial neurons of larvae (lateral view). FIG. 5E shows fluorescence in the excretory gland (GN) and duct cells. A solid line traces the worm, and a dashed line outlines the posterior bulb of the pharynx. FIG. 5F shows fluorescence in the hypodermis and seam cells of a late L1 larvae. FIG. 5G shows fluorescence from mlt-18::gfp-pest in the hypodermis (arrow) and seam cells (arrowhead) of a late L1 larvae. FIG. 5H shows fluorescence from mlt-13::gfp in the hypodermis and seam cells of a late L3 larvae. The seam cell fluorescence from mlt-24::gfp-pest was observed only near the L4/Adult molt, when the cells terminally differentiate and fuse, whereas seam-cell fluorescence from mlt-13::gfp-pest and milt-18::gfp-pest was observed most often near larval-to-larval molts, when the cells divide. The anterior of the worm is at the right in all panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The post-embryonic development of C. elegans proceeds through four larval stages that are separated by periodic molts when the collagen-like cuticle that encases the worm's body is shed and synthesized anew. As reported in more detail below, genes important for molting in C. elegans were identified by the present inventors through a genome-wide screen using bacterial-mediated RNA-interference (RNAi) to reduce gene function. Molting (mlt) gene inactivation by RNAi caused larvae to become trapped in old cuticle while attempting to molt. Inactivation of these genes, their orthologs in Ecdysozoans, or their encoded proteins by genetic or chemical means is expected to block molting and larval development in virtually any Ecdysozoan (e.g., nematodes and insects).

Four classes of genes central to molting function have been identified. The first class includes mlt genes that function specifically in nematodes (e.g., C09G5.6, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, C34G6.6, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F16B4.3, F18A1.3, F45G2.5, F49C12.2, F53B8.1, H04M03.4, H19M22.2, K07D8.1, M6.1, M88.6, T05C12.10, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, Y111B2A.14, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, and ZK430.8). The protein products of such genes are likely to function in the execution phase of nematode molting and represent attractive targets for the development of highly specific nematicides. The second class includes mlt genes conserved in insects and nematodes, but not present in humans or yeast (e.g., C01H6.5, F11C1.6, F52B11.3, and ZK686.3). Nematicides and insecticides targeting such mlt genes, or their orthologs in insects or parasitic nematodes, are likely to specifically disrupt molting processes common to Ecdysozoans, and given this specificity are unlikely to adversely effect human health. The third class includes mlt genes whose inactivation by RNA results in highly penetrant molt defects (e.g., those molt genes listed in Tables 1A and Table 1B). Tables 1A and 1B include genes not previously identified as being involved in molting (e.g., B0024.14, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5) as well as genes not previously suggested as targets for insecticides or nematicides (e.g., C01H6.5, C17G1.6, C45B2.7, F11C1.6, F18C12.2, F29D11.1, F53G12.3, F56C11.1, K04F10.4, T05C12.10, T27F2.1, Y23H5A.7, and ZK270.1). A fourth class includes mlt genes involved in the neuroendocrine control of molting. Such genes are expected to be conserved between nematodes and insects (e.g., Drosophila). C. elegans neuronal control genes are often refractory to RNAi; thus, RNAi against neuroendocrine control genes is likely to effect molting in only a small percentage of larvae. Neuroendocrine control genes will likely be identified among mlt genes whose inactivation by RNA interference results in molting defects in less than 5% of larvae (e.g., C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, and Y71A12B.1. Additional mlt genes may be identified using a nematode strain having enhanced susceptibility to RNAi.

These compositions and methods are described further below.

RNAi Library Screen

To systematically identify genes required for molting in C. elegans, a library of 16,757 bacterial clones was used. Each HT115(DE3) E. coli clone (Timmons et al., Gene 263:103-112, 2001) expressed a double-stranded RNA corresponding to a single open reading frame (ORF) predicted in the C. elegans genome (Fraser et al., Nature, 408:325-30, 2000). Approximately 85% of all ORFs predicted to be present in the genome of C. elegans were represented in this library. Approximately 2,000 additional clones, which are publicly available through the Vidal lab ORFeome project at Harvard University (Orfeome project, Harvard University website) were also screened. The genes listed in Table 1B were identified in this screen.

Briefly, the bacterial colonies from each plate of the library were inoculated into 96-well microtiter dishes containing 300 ul of LB with 50 ug/ml of ampicillin. The bacteria were then cultured for approximately sixteen hours at 30° C. 30 ul of each overnight culture was plated onto a single well of a 24-well plate containing Nematode Growth Medium (NGM)-agar, IPTG (8 mM final concentration), and carbenicillin (25 ug/ml).

Early L1 larvae from wild-type (N2) worms were isolated using standard techniques, and approximately twenty larvae were added to each well. The worms were then incubated in individual wells at 20° C. for two and a half days with one of the 16,757 bacterial clones serving as a food source. Nematodes in each well were examined for molting defects by visual inspection using a standard light microscope. These assays were carried out “blind” (i.e., the researcher examining the nematode's molting phenotype was unaware of the identity of the bacterial clone present in the well at the time the phenotype was scored). A molting defect was identified by the presence of larvae with unshed cuticle attached to their bodies (the Mlt phenotype). Molting defects were never observed in control larvae fed on bacteria transformed with an empty vector. The majority of control larvae grew into gravid adult nematodes and sired progeny during the time of observation. As a positive internal control for the efficacy of post-embryonic RNAi, wild-type N2 larvae were concurrently fed HT115(DE3) bacteria expressing dsRNA corresponding to a known mlt gene, lrp-1.

C. elegans genes required for molting are listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, 7, and 8. Open reading frames initially identified as causing a Mlt phenotype were verified by re-screening two additional times. The identity of the gene represented by each bacterial colony was verified by sequencing. This was accomplished by sequencing the insert in the plasmid DNA isolated from the bacterial clone using primers complementary to flanking sequence present in the vector L440 (Timmons et al., Nature 391:806-811, 1998).

To evaluate the dauer molt, hatchlings of the temperature-sensitive, dauer constitutive mutants daf-2(e1370) and daf-7(e1372) were fed bacterial clones expressing dsRNA for each molting gene and cultivated at restrictive temperature (25° C.) for 3 days, such that control animals all became dauers. Animals were then shifted to permissive temperature (15° C.) for 2 days, allowing control animals to molt to the L4 stage. Observation of L2d or dauer larvae with the Mlt phenotype, in either genetic background, indicated that a given gene inactivation disrupted the L2d/dauer or dauer/L4molt.

Nomenclature

C. elegans genes whose inactivation by RNAi caused a molting defect, or Mlt phenotype, are shown in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, 7 and 8. These genes are identified by a C. elegans gene name and by an open reading frame number. Genes not previously assigned a C. elegans gene name are identified herein as mlt-12 to mlt-93. Eleven genes identified in our screen had been previously identified as functioning in molting, but had not been previously identified as targets for a nematicide, insecticide, or other compound that inhibits molting. These genes include C01H6.5 (nhr-23), C45B2.7 (ptr-4), F11C1.6 (nhr-25), F18C12.2 (rme-8), F29D11.1 (lrp-1), F53G12.3, F56C11.1, K04F10.4 (bli-4), T05C12.10 (qhg-1), T27F2.1 (C. elegans Skip), and ZK270.1 (ptr-23). Orthologs of these genes were not previously identified. Some genes not previously identified as functioning in molting had been previously assigned a C. elegans gene name. In keeping with C. elegans nomenclature practices, genes previously assigned a C. elegans gene name have not been renamed.

Mlt Phenotypes

Post-embryonic RNAi against milt genes listed in Tables 1A and 1B produced molting-specific defects in 5-100% of larvae (Table 1A and Table 1B). The majority of these worms also exhibited a larval arrest phenotype. This list identifies target genes by C. elegans cosmid name and open reading frame number. Homology searches using the blast algorithm and information available at wormbase (www.wormbase.org), a central repository of data on C. elegans, were used to identify the function of encoded proteins. At least three mlt genes, mlt-24, mlt-25, and mlt-27, encode proteins predicted to function as secreted proteases. These proteases are likely to function in the process of cuticle release, or, possibly, in the processing of peptide molting hormones. TABLE 1A RNAi Produced Molt Defects in 5-100% of Exposed Larvae Gene ORF Accession No. Function Reference for Mlt phenotypee mlt-19 B0024.14 ref|NM_073255 Pro-collagen nhr-23 C01H6.5 ref|NM_059638 nuclear hormone receptor Kostrouchova et al., 1998¹ transcription factor bli-1 C09G5.6 ref|NM_063910 cuticle collagen C11H1.3 ref|NM_077984 mlt-24 C17G1.6 ref|NM_077268 Metalloprotease, secreted Morita et al., 2002² mlt-20 C23F12.1 ref|NM_077180 endothelial actin-binding protein repeats mlt-21 B0272.5 same as above endothelial actin-binding protein repeats mlt-14 C34G6.6 ref|NM_059305 repetitive Cys motifs; 4 PAN domains mlt-22 C37C3.3 mlt-27 C42D8.5 ref|NM_076466 Angiotension converting enzyme, metalloprotease ptr-4 C45B2.7 ref|NM_076612 sterol-sensing domain Zugasti et al., 2002³ mlt-23 CD4.4 ref|NM_072073 coiled coil mlt-28 CD4.6 pir|T32525 protease mlt-29 D1054.15 ref|NM_073362 G-protein beta WD-40 repeats beta-transducin-like mlt-21 C26C6.3 NM_059708. Astacin metalloprotease acn-1 C42D8.5 NM_076466 Angiotension converting enzyme mlt-20 F08C6.1 ref|NM_076885 ADAM/reprolysin metalloprotease, 12 of Thrombospondin type I domain mlt-13 F09B12.1 ref|NM_078111 MAM domains, secreted nhr-25 F11C1.6 ref|NM_077761 nuclear hormone recptor Gissendanner and Sluder, 2000⁴ mlt-30 F16H9.2 ref|NM_077722 nuclear hormone receptor lir-1 F18A1.3 emb|AJ130959 Transcription factor like lin-26 rme-8 F18C12.2 gb|AF372457 endocytosis DNAJ domain Zhang et al., 2001⁵ mlt-31 F20G4.1 ref|NM_059784 mlt-32 F25B4.6 ref|NM_072095 hydroxymethlglutaryl-CoA synthase lrp-1 F29D11.1 ref|NM_059726 LDL-receptor related Yochem et al., 1999⁶ let-858 F33A8.1 ref|NM_063962 mlt-33 F33C8.3 ref|NM_078044 tetraspanin mlt-34 F38H4.9 ref|NM_069846 Hs P2AB serine/threonine phosphatase mlt-35 F40G9.1 ref|NM_064775 Ankryin repeats mlt-36 F41C3.4 ref|NM_062446 elo-5 F41H10.7 ref|NP_500793 GNS1/SUR4 family mlt-17 F45G2.5 ref|NM_067371 SS pancreatic trypsin inhibitor mlt-38 F49C12.12 ref|NM_069234 transmembrane protein mlt-15 F52B11.3 ref|NP_502699 4 PAN domains. Secretory protein mlt-39 F53B8.1 pir∥T22551 Hu PLEC1 orthologue; plectin, kakapo homolog mlt-40 F53G12.3 ref|NM_058283 NADPH oxidase Fraser, 2000⁷ mlt-41 F54A5.1 ref|NM_058402 stc-1 F54C9.2 ref|NM_063407 Heat shock 70 Kd protein (HSP70) F53G12.3 animal haem peroxidase; gp91/phox1 DuOx F56C11.1 ref|NM_058285 NADPH oxidase; animal haem Fraser, 2000⁷ peroxidase; gp91/phox1 mlt-42 F57B9.2 ref|NM_066115 Tx human 1 Proline Rich, 1 Glycosylytransferase family 5 mlt-43 H04M03.4 ref|NP_500884 let-805 H19M22.1 ref|NM_065198 myotactin form A bli-4 K04F10.4 ref|NM_059427 subtilase protease Thacker et al., 1995⁸ mlt-44 K05C4.1 pir|T23336 proteasome subunit mlt-45 K06B4.5 ref|NM_074499 nuclear hormone receptor mlt-46 K07C5.6 ref|NM_073260 zinc finger mup-4 K07D8.1 ref|NM_066244 mup-4 ion-channel SEA domains, Ca-binding EGF domains lag-1 K08B4.1 ref|NM_068515 DNA-binding protein, IPT/TIG domain mlt-47 K09H9.6 ref|NM_058707 homologueof Dm Peter Pan, which is required for larval growth mlt-48 M03F4.7 ref|NM_076443 calcium binding protein, EF-hand family 13x mlt-49 M03F8.3 ref|NM_072146 crn HAT (Half-A-TPR) repeat 10x, TPR repeat 3x mlt-50 M162.6 ref|NM_075434 ifc-2 M6.1 ref|NM_075732 intermediate filament protein A pan-1 M88.6 ref|NM_065523 lecuine-rich repeats ran-4 R05D11.3 ref|NM_059921 Nuclear import; Nuclear Transport Factor 2 (NTF2) homologue kin-2 R07E4.6 ref|NM_076598 mlt-52 R11G11.1 ref|NM_070836 nuclear homrone receptor mlt-53 T01C3.1 ref|NM_074284 WD domain, G-beta repeats x13 mlt-54 T01H3.1 ref|NM_063258 proteolipid protein PPA1 like protein Y41D4B.10 NM_067707 Delta-serrate ligand precursor qhg-1 T05C12.10 ref|NM_063324 hedgehog-like, hint module Wang et al., 1999⁹ mlt-55 T14F9.1 ref|NM_076011 ATPase subunit mlt-56 T19B10.2 ref|NM_073447 secretory protein mlt-57 T23F2.1 ref|NM_076531 glycosyltransferase mlt-58 T24H7.2 ref|NM_062848 Heat shock protein hsp70, Cytochrome b/b6 Ce Skip T27F2.1 ref|NM_073549 Drosophila puff specific protein Kostrouchova et al., 2002¹⁰ BX42 like F10C1.5 NM_062737 DSX DNA binding domain mlt-18 W01F3.3 ref|NM_075592 multiple BPTI-like domains, secretory protein mlt-12 W08F4.6 ref|NM_061358 novel secretory protein mlt-59 W09B6.1 ref|NM_061521 acetyl-CoA carboxylase ifa-2 W10G6.3 ref|NM_078247 intermediate filament protein pqn-80 Y111B2A.14 ref|NM_067244 prion-like mlt-60 Y37D8A.10 ref|NM_067275 transmembrane protein mlt-61 Y38F2AL.3 ref|NM_067786 ATPase mlt-62 Y48B6A.3 ref|NM_067371 5′-3′ exonuclease domain; eggshell protein unc-52 ZC101.2 ref|NM_064645 basement membrane proteoglycan mlt-63 ZK1073.1 ref|NM_078233 mlt-64 ZK1151.1 ref|NM_060597 plectrin mlt-65 ZK262.8 ref|NM_075208 Myosin head (motor domain) ptr-23 ZK270.1 ref|NM_061202 sterol-sensing domain Schulze et al., 2002¹¹ mlt-11 ZK430.8 ref|NM_062376 animal haem peroxidase; ShTk domain mlt-67 ZK686.3 ref|NM_066290 Ankryin repeat mlt-16 ZK783.1 ref|NM_066269 ECM microfibril component (Hs FBN-1 homolog) mlt-68 ZK970.4 ref|NM_063816 H+-transporting ATPase ¹Kostrouchova et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 99: 9554-9559, 2002 ²Morita et al, EMBO 23: 1063-1073. ³Zugasti et al., 2002 European Worm Meeting ⁴Gissendanner et al, Dev. Biol, 221: 259-72, 2000 ⁵Zhang et al., Mol. Biol. Cell, 12: 2011-21, 2001 ⁶Yochem et al., Development, 126: 597-606 ⁷Fraser et al., Nature, 408: 325-30, 2000 ⁸Thacker et al., Genes Dev. 9: 956-71, 1995 ⁹Wang et al., 1999, International Worm Meeting ¹⁰Kostrouchova et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 98: 7360-5, 2001 ¹¹Schulze et al., 2002 European Worm Meeting

TABLE 1B Genes identified in RNAi screen of clones from Vidal Orfeome Project Predicted Gene Brief Molecular I.D./ Gene name Accession # Domains High frequency of Mlt phenotype Y54E10BR.5 ref|NM_058691 Signal Peptidase B0513.1 gei-5 ref|NM_070273 GEX-3 interacting protein R06A4.9 ref|NM_064584 WD domain, G beta repeats, HMG1/Y DNA binding domain Y105E8B.1 lev-11 ref|NM_061138 tropomyosin Y47D3B.1 ref|NM_067064 DUF23 Y54F10AL.2 est-1 ref|NM_065164 telomerase subunit T17H7.3 ref|NM_064848 H27M09.5 ref|NM_059558 novel F45E10.2 ref|NM_063970 solute carrier family 22 member F25H8.6 ref|NM_069384 DNA binding, BED zinc finger K04A8.6 ref|NM_072260 F-box ZC13.3 ref|NM_075772 MAM domain T19A5.3 ref|NM_072907 novel low frequency of Mlt phenotype F32D8.6 emo-1 ref|NM_073377 Protein translocation - Sec61 ortholog F53F4.3 ref|NM_073966 novel F56C9.12 ref|NR_001470 novel T25B9.10 ref|NM_069598 endo/exonuclease phosphatase family ZK154.3 mec-7 ref|NM_076912 beta-tubulin Y37D8A.19 ref|NM_067286 novel secreted protein Y37D8A.21 ref|NM_067285 RNA binding, RNP domain Y71F9AL.7 ref|NM_058666 novel transmembrane protein Y51H1A.3 ref|NM_064506 NADH dehydrogenase 1 beta subcomplex 8 19 kDa like W03F9.10 ref|NM_070740 DUF382, Proline rich, PSP, HMG-1 DNA binding ZK945.2 pas-7 ref|NM_063776 proteosome alpha subunit ZK637.4 ref|NM_066563 novel putative nuclear protein C30F8.2 ref|NM_059114 H+ transporting ATPase C subunit F32H2.9 tba-6 ref|NM_060018 tubulin alpha Y87G2A.5 vrs-2 ref|NM_060976 cytoplasmic valyl tRNA syhtethase Y53F4B.22 arp-1 ref|NM_064707 actin like Y77E11A.13 npp-20 ref|NM_067686 nuclear core protein, related to essential transport protein SEC1 C15H11.7 pas-1 ref|NM_074170 26s proteosome subunit Y113G7B.23 psa-1 ref|NM_075505 SWI/SNF complex chromatin remodeling C53H9.1 rpl-27 ref|NM_058504 large ribosomal subunit 27 W09C5.6 rpl-31 ref|NM_060990 large ribosomal subunit 31 T24B8.1 rpl-32 ref|NM_063533 large ribosomal subunit 32 Y71A12B.1 rps-6 ref|NM_061034 small ribosomal subunit S6 Cuticle Retention Phenotypes

All Mlt larvae failed to fully shed their cuticles. For example, RNAi against mlt-12, mlt-13, mlt-18, and mlt-24 resulted in larvae partially encased in a sheath of unshed cuticle (FIGS. 1A-1E). The Mlt phenotype observed in these animals resembled the phenotype of lrp-1 (RNAi) nematodes. lrp-1 was previously shown to be required for molting (Yochem et al., Development, 126: 597-606, 1999).

Interestingly, specific differences were observed in cuticle retention among Mlt larvae. The tissue of mlt-13(RNAi) animals remained tethered to old cuticle expelled from the buccal cavity, suggesting a defect early in the execution of molting (FIG. 1E). In contrast, unc-52(RNAi) nematodes arrested with sheaths of cuticle extending from their posteriors, and appeared paralyzed except for small head movements. The phenotype of unc-52(RNAi) nematodes suggested a defect in the final stages of ecdysis. Undetached cuticle was observed around the most anterior portion of mlt-12(RNAi) animals (FIG. 1D). This anterior region corresponds to the location of the cells hyp2 through hyp6. Approximately 20% of mlt-24(RNAi) animals had cuticular sheaths wrapped around their mid-sections (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The discovery of phenotypic classes among Mlt larvae indicated that sets of mlt genes likely act together at specific steps of ecdysis, or that some mlt genes are required for apolysis of cuticle covering only one or two regions of the body. Further, most, if not all, genes uncovered appear essential for all four molts, since their inactivation produces molting-defective larvae at several developmental stages. The majority of gene inactivations also disrupted molts into, or out of, dauer, an alternative developmental stage that is adapted for survival in unfavorable conditions and resembles the infective form of parasitic nematodes. Generally, animals that failed to complete a molt also ceased to develop, but they would occasionally escape old cuticle after several hours, only to become trapped again at the next molt, as observed in qhg-1(RNAi) larvae.

Reproductive Phenotype

While the majority of Mlt larvae arrest development and die, possibly as a consequence of starvation, Mlt animals trapped in cuticle during the L4-to-adult transition occasionally produced a limited number of progeny. This was observed in qhg-1 (RNAi), nhr-23(RNAi), and mlt-13(RNAi) animals.

Phenotype Associated with Secretory Pathway Defects

RNAi against many genes known to function in the secretory pathway, such as the worm orthologs of the vesicle coat proteins SEC-23 and B-COP, disrupted molting (Table 2). Those secretory pathway components that gave a Mlt phenotype when inactivated by RNAi are listed in Table 2. The genes are listed by C. elegans cosmid name and open reading frame number. Homology searches using the blast algorithm and information available at wormbase (www.wormnbase.org), a central repository of data on C. elegans, were used to identify the function of encoded proteins. TABLE 2 RNAi against Secretory Pathway Components Produced Molt Defects Gene ORF Molecular Function or Identity nsf-1 H15N14.1 vesicular fusion; like human NSF rab-5 F26H9.6 ras superfamily GTPase tfg-1 Y63D3A.5 part of COPII complex; vesicle trafficking snf-7 C56C10.3 vacuolar sorting sar-1 ZK180.4 GTP-binding protein arf-3 F57H12.1 |GTP-binding protein rab-1 C39F7.4 ras-family sec-23 Y113G7A.3 COPII complex vesicular transport dpy-23 R160.1 Clathrin adaptor complexes medium chain 7x dyn-1 C02C6.1 dynamin family 8X mlt-69 E03H4.8 beta coatomer-like mlt-70 F59E10.3 Clathrin adaptor complex small chain mlt-71 K12H4.4 signal peptidase mlt-72 D1014.3 alpha-SNAP, NSF attachment protein mlt-73 C13B9.3 clathrin adaptor mlt-74 F43D9.3 sec1 family F41C3.4 homolog of got-1 (GenBank Acc. No. NM_062446) F38A1.8 SRP-54 (GenBank Acc. No. NM_171254)

Interestingly, the bodies of animals undergoing RNAi against secretory pathway genes tended to disintegrate over time, distinguishing them from other Mlt larvae. The isolation of sixteen secretory pathway genes in a screen for larvae unable to molt indicated that a functional secretory pathway is needed either to generate new cuticle or to export enzymes that allow larvae to break free of the old cuticle.

Larval Arrest Phenotypes

RNAi against genes shown in Table 3A produced molting defects in less than five percent of larvae, and also produced an early larval arrest phenotype (i.e., arrest in the L1 or L2 stage) in the majority of animals. RNAi against genes shown in Table 3B produced molting defects in 10% or less of larvae. This list identifies the target genes by C. elegans cosmid name and open reading frame number. Homology searches using the blast algorithm and information available at wormbase (www.wormbase.org), a central repository of data on C. elegans, were used to identify the function of encoded proteins. TABLE 3A RNAi Produced Molt Defects in Less than 5% of Exposed Larvae Gene ORF Molecular Function/Protein Domains rpl-23 B0336.10 ribosomal protein rps-0 B0393.1 ribosomal protein rpl-14 C04F12.4 ribosomal protein L14 rps-3 C23G10.3 ribosomal protein rps-10 D1007.6 ribosomal protein rps-23 F28D1.7 ribosomal protein rpn-7 F35H10.4 ribosomal protein rps-21 F37C12.11 ribosomal protein rps-14 F37C12.9 ribosomal protein rps-11 F40F11.1 ribosomal protein rps-22 F53A3.3 ribosomal protein rps-16 T01C3.6 ribosomal protein rps-19 T05F1.3 ribosomal protein S19 rpl-18 Y45F10D.12 ribosomal protein mlt-75 C09F12.1 secretory protein mlt-76 C09H10.2 Forkhead-associated (FHA) domain mlt-77 C17H12.14 ATPase mlt-78 C37C3.2 Domain found in IF2B/IF5 2x mlt-79 D2085.1 mog-5 EEED8.5 RNA helicase DEAD/DEAH box helicase mig-10 F10E9.7 PH domain mlt-80 F19F10.9 mlt-81 F28F8.5 mlt-82 F32D1.2 ATP synthase epsilion chain vha-5 F35H10.4 H+ ion transport V-type ATPase 116 kDa subunit family mlt-83 F41E7.1 TM G-protein beta WD-40 repeats mlt-84 F42A8.1 TGFB path mlt-85 F54B3.3 AAA ATPase mlt-86 F55A3.3 general chromatin factor mlt-87 F56F3.5 Ribosomal protein S3A mlt-88 H06I04.4a 4 ubiquitin domains, CH2 Zinc finger mlt-89 K06A4.6 mlt-90 K10D6.1 GABA receptor beta subunit mlt-91 R06A10.1 mlt-92 T07D10.1 transmembrane protein lin-29 Y17G7A.2 lin-29 mlt-93 Y23H5A.7 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase vha-11 Y38F2AL.3 ATPase Y41D4B.21 Y41D4B.5 ion channel protein Y45F10B.5 Y55H10A.1 Cadherin ZK1236.3 ZK265.5 ZK265.6 G-protein coupled receptor ZK652.1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein

TABLE 3B Gene inactivations that cause molting defects in 10% or less of larvae Gene ORF Accession # Molecular Identity B0348.1 ref|NM_070727 nematode-specific protein family clc-1 C09F12.1 ref|NM_077446 claudin-like C23F12.1 ref|NM_077179 endothelial actin-binding protein repeats C37C3.2 gb|U64857 domain found in IF2B/IF5 CD4.4 ref|NM_072073 coiled 4-coil domain pas-6 CD4.6 ref|NM_072071 proteosome subunit cdc-5 D1081.8 ref|NM_059902 myb-like DNA binding domain pyr-1 D2085.1 ref|NM_063437 glutamine-dependent carbamoyl-phosphate synthase mog-5 EEED8.5 ref|NM_062618 RNA helicase DEAD/DEAH box helicase F19F10.9 ref|NM_072551 SART-1 family F28F8.5 ref|NM_074471 coiled 4-coil domain, nematode specific vha-5 F35H10.4 ref|NM_068998 H+ trans. V-type ATPase F25B4.6 ref|NM_072095 hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase clo-5 F41H10.7 ref|NM_068392 fatty acid elongation F42A8.1 ref|NM_063590 signal sequence, nematode specific rpn-7 F49C12.8 ref|NM_069231 proteasome regulatory particle F53G12.4 ref|NM_058282 coiled 4-coil domain, nematode specific F54B3.3 ref|NM_063809 AAA ATPase F55A3.3 ref|NM_060420 metallopeptidase family M24 stc-1 F54C9.2 ref|NM_063407 truncated HSP H04M03.4 ref|NM_068483 novel ubl-1 H06104.4 ref|NM_171089 4 ubiquitin domains, CH2 Zinc linger ceh-6 K02B12.1 ref|NM_059903 homeobox K06A4.6 ref|NM_073045 zinc metalloprotease like slu-7 K07C5.6 ref|NM_073260 splicing factor lag-1 K08B4.1 ref|NM_171350 transcriptional regulator R06A10.1 ref|NM_05841 ER membrane protein, nematode specific kin-2 R07E4.6 ref|NM_07659 cAMP-dependent protein kinase cbp-1 R10E11.1 ref|NM_066760 CBP/p300 homolog T06D8.6 ref|NM_064002 cylochrome c cl home lyase T19B10.2 ref|NM_073447 coiled coil domain, nematode specific vha-4 T01H3.1 ref|NM_063258 vacuular proton ATPase, V0 proteolipid subunit C. T07D10.1 ref|NM_060791 signal peptide, nematode specific crs-1 Y23H5A.7 ref|NM_058612 cysteinyl tRNA Synthetase vha-11 Y38F2AL.3 ref|NM_067786 vacuolar H+ ATPase vha-3 Y38F2AL.4 ref|NM_067787 vacuolar H+ ATPase Y45F10B.5 ref|NM_070216 transmembrane domains, nematode-specific Y55H10A.1 ref|NM_067931 H+ lysosomal ATPase like sca-1 K11D9.2 ref|NM_066984 Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase ZK1236.3 ref|NM_066460 nematode specific snr-5 ZK652.1 ref|NM_066307 small nuclear ribonuclear protein Sm F rpl-23 B0336.10 ref|NM_065830 ribosomal protein rps-0 B0393.1 ref|NM_065577 ribosomal protein rpl-14 C04F12.4 ref|NM_060175 ribosomal protein L14 rps-3 C23G10.3 ref|NM_065948 ribosomal protein rps-10 D1007.6 ref|NM_058997 ribosomal protein rps-23 F28D1.7 ref|NM_069964 ribosomal protein rps-21 F37C12.11 ref|NM_066178 ribosomal protein rps-14 F37C12.9 ref|NM_066171 ribosomal protein rps-11 F40F11.1 ref|NM_069785 ribosomal protein rps-22 F53A3.3 ref|NM_065080 ribosomal protein rpl-15 K11H12.2 ref|NM_066422 ribosomal protein rps-16 T01C3.6 ref|NM_074289 ribosomal protein rps-19 T05F1.3 ref|NM_060154 ribosomal protein S19 rpl-18 Y45F10D.12 ref|NM_070254 ribosomal protein rps-1 F56F3.5 ref|NM_065509 ribosomal protein S3A C09H10.2 ref|NM_063974 ribosomal protein L44 Y41D4B.5 ref|NM_067714 ribosomal protein S28e

The Mlt phenotype was observed after several days of exposure to dsRNA. Table 3A includes genes that encode ribosomal proteins that are likely to be required for larval growth and development, and are unlikely to be specifically required for molting. Table 3A also includes genes that are likely to function in neurons that regulate ecdysis. RNAi against neuroendocrine genes is expected to be relatively ineffective, given that neuronal genes are often refractory to RNAi. Nonetheless, such neural control genes are expected to be conserved among Ecdysozoans and therefore represent targets for the development of nematicides and insecticides. Neuronal mlt genes are inactivated in relatively few larvae exposed to dsRNA-expressing-bacteria.

Improved methods of RNAi are expected to identify additional mlt genes that function in the neuroendocrine regulation of molting. For example, the use of mutants that show enhanced RNAi, such as nematodes having a mutation in rrf-3 (Simmer et al., Curr Biol. 12: 1317, 2002) may increase the sensitivity of the RNAi-based screen for mlt genes. Nematodes having an rrf-3 mutation may be screened using the methods described herein to identify new mlt genes. RNAi clones that disrupt molting only in hypersensitive strains likely act in neuroendocrine signaling pathways common to all Ecdysozoans (e.g., flies and nematodes). Drugs that targeted such proteins would be expected to disrupt molting in most Ecdysozoans, while having no adverse side effects on humans.

Pleiotropic Phenotypes

Pleiotropic phenotypes were associated with RNAi against sixteen open reading frames identified in the Mlt screen (e.g., F56C11.1 (DuOx), F53G12.3, F55A3.3, F18A1.3 (lir-1), ZK430.8, F41C3.4, Y48B6A.3, K07D8.1 (mup-4), W01G6.3, F57B9.2, K08B4.1 (lag-1), F49C12.12, F38H4.9, F25B4.6, ZK262.8, M162.6, ZK1073.1).

Conservation of mlt Genes

Table 4A shows the conservation of a subset of mlt genes across phylogeny, identifying the RNAi target genes by C. elegans cosmid name and open reading frame number, and their orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster (Dm), Homo sapiens (Hs), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) by Genbank accession number and blast score. DNA sequences corresponding to the mlt genes of interest were retrieved from the repositories of sequence information at the NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or at wormbase (www.wormbase.org). The DNA sequence was then used for standard translating blast [tBLASTN] searching using the NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLAST/). For each mlt gene, Table 4A identifies the Genebank accession number and blast score for the top blast hit from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm), Homo sapiens (Hs), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc). The DNA sequence corresponding to the top ortholog candidate produced by tblastn was retrieved from Genbank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and used for a BLASTx search of C. elegans proteins using the wormbase site (http://www.wormbase.org/db/searches/blast). In one preferred embodiment, conservation of the mlt gene in flies or humans was indicated when the BLASTx search produced the starting MLT protein as the top score. These most highly conserved sequences are shaded in deep color in Table 4A. All other related sequences are shaded with lighter color. These methods provided for the identification of orthologs of C. elegans mlt genes (Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, 7 and 8) revealed by our RNAi analysis. An ortholog is a protein that is highly related to a reference sequence. One skilled in the art would expect an ortholog to functionally substitute for the reference sequence. Tables 4A and 7 list exemplary orthologs by Genbank accession number and blast score. TABLE 4A Conserved mlt Genes

Table 4B lists C. elegans genes and Drosophila and human orthologs identified using a tblastn search. TABLE 4B Selected gene inactivations associated with molting defects

Figure 4B Legend: Top hits from tblastn searches of the human or fly genome using the predicted C. elegans gene product. Dark shading indicates that a blastx search with the predicted human or fly protein uncovered the corresponding C. elegans protein as the top-scoring match in C. elegans, identifying potential orthologs. Y indicates the presence of a secretory signal peptide (SP) in the predicted gene product.

Table 4C identifies genes whose inactivation disrupts molting and related genes in other species. TABLE 4C C. elegans genes that disrupt molting and their coounterparts in other species

TABLE 4D Table S2. Homologs of selected molting genes in parasitic nematode species Related Genes (1) Strongyloides Onchocerea volvulus Brugla maiayi stercoralis Strongyloides ratti Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value nhr-23 C01H6.5 dbj|AU000440 bli-1 C09G5.6 gb|BF482033 4E−19 gb|AI066836 3E−22 gb|BG226349 7E−25 mlt-24 C17G1.6 gb|AA471557 5E−17 gb|BG224501 9E−35 gb|BI741990 3E−39 mlt-21 C26C6.3 gb|BE224326 6E−32 gb|BI323632 6e−29 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|AA471404 2E−68 gb|BE579677 2E−53 gb|BI073876 1E−41 acn-1 C42D8.5 CD4.4 D1054.15 gb|BE202350 9E−49 mlt-20 F08C6.1 gb|BE581131 2E−34 mlt-13 F09B12.1 gb|AI665735 4E−10 gb|BG226227 1E−23 nhr-25 F11C1.6 dbj|AU000440 gb|BE581104 1E−27 lrp-1 F29D11.r gb|AW055802 3E−38 gb|BG893946 3E−27 F38H4.9 F40G9.1 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|BE029934 1E−15 mlt-15 F52B11.3 gb|AA661399 4E−48 gb|BE580180 1E−73 gb|BG893830 7E−80 F53G12.3 gb|AA161577 1E−39 stc-1 F54C9.2 gb|BG226148 1E−44 DuOX F56C11.1 gb|AA161577 1E−39 F57B9.2 H04M03.4 gb|AA294602 5E−15 gb|AI770981 2E−27 gb|BG227443 2E−75 gb|BI397280 1E−61 H19M22.2 bli-4 KD4F10.4 gb|BE028912 7E−24 gb|BQ091197 2E−18 mup-4 K07D8.1 gb|AI783143 1E−66 gb|BE223322 2E−23 gb|BI450575 3E−38 M03F4.7 gb|BM889340 1E−78 gb|BG226767 4E−85 gb|BI450741 2E−98 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|AA917260 2E−19 gb|AW675831 8E−19 gb|BF014961 3E−28 gb|BI742464 8E−19 pan-1 M88.6 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 gb|AW257707 1E−22 gb|BF014893 1E−34 T14F9.1 gb|BG226359 5E−70 T23F2.1 gb|BE579591 7E−75 skp-1 T27F2.1 mlt-18 W01F3.3 gb|BE580288 3E−20 gb|BG893620 2E−19 mlt-12 W08F4.6 gb|BG310588  E−121 gb|BE753466  E−104 gb|BG227161 2E−84 W09B6.1 gb|BE580061 8E−43 gb|BQ091288 7E−29 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BF199444 2E−62 gb|AW675831 2E−75 gb|BE224367 7E−43 gb|BI742464 8E−50 Y37D8A.10 gb|BE029374 1E−37 Y48B6A.3 gb|BI324097 6E−40 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|AW980135 4E−62 gb|AI723671 5E−60 gb|BG227295 1E−49 gb|BI323571 3E−44 ptr-23 ZK270.1 gb|BE202282 2E−11 gb|AW257677 3E−43 gb|BE579648 5E−54 mlt-11 ZK430.8 gb|AI723670 8E−40 gb|BG227360 5E−72 gb|BI073673 5E−31 ZK686.3 gb|AA842318 8E−22 gb|BE581316 2E−48 Related Genes (1) Ancylostoma ceylanicum Aocylostoma caninum Necator americanus Ascaris sum Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value ahr-23 C01H6.5 gb|BM281749 2E−39 blt-1 C09G5.6 gb|AW165858 1E−26 mlt-24 C17G1.6 gb|BQ667369 3E−21 gb|BU089288 2E−29 gb|BQ835552 8E−41 mlt-21 C26C6.3 gb|CB276958 2E−36 gb|BU088646 2E−33 gb|BU965942 8E−38 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|BI782938 9E−52 ocn-1 C42D8.5 CD4.4 D1054.15 gb|BG232752 4E−77 gb|BU088714 1E−108 mlt-20 F08C6.1 mlt-13 F09B12.1 nhr-25 F11C1.6 gb|BM280724 6E−20 trp-1 F29D11.r F38H4.9 gb|BU666328 1e−118 gb|BI1782814 8E−89 F40G9.1 gb|CA341524 3E−37 gb|BG467849 3E−13 gb|BI594288 8E−29 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|BQ274691 1E−34 gb|BF250630 1E−22 gb|BU089096 9E−37 mlt-15 F52B11.3 F53G12.3 gb|AW735074 6E−64 src-1 F54C9.2 DuOX F56C11.1 gb|AW735074 6E−64 F57B9.2 gb|BU780997 6E−53 H04M03.4 H19M22.2 gb|BF250605 blt-4 KD4F10.4 gb|BQ666394 2E−24 gb|BU087198 4E−14 mup-4 K07D8.1 M03F4.7 gb|BQ666411 1E−111 gb|BM319475 1E−103 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|BM280603 1E−28 pan-1 M88.6 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 T14F9.1 gb|BM130242 4E−72 gb|BU086612 5E−65 gb|BI594547 4E−67 T23F2.1 skp-1 T27F2.1 gb|BU087096 1E−22 mlp-18 W01F3.3 gb|BM077795 2E−19 gb|BU666009 1E−21 mlp-12 W08F4.6 W09B6.1 gb|BQ125044 2E−61 gb|BU666204 2E−15 gb|BI782124 2E−47 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BM280603 1E−84 Y37D8A.10 gb|BQ288481 2E−59 gb|BU666155 9E−27 Y48B6A.3 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|BE352403 4E−19 gb|BI782862 1E−13 ptr-23 ZK270.1 gb|BM130388 9E−98 gb|BU086563 gb|BM033843 7E−20 mlp-11 ZK430.8 ZK686.3 gb|BG467473 6E−22 Related Genes (1) Related Genes Haemonchus contortus Dirofilaria immlus Trichurls muris Trichinella spiralis Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # value ahr-23 C01H6.5 gb|BG353339 3E−29 blt-1 C09G5.6 mlt-24 C17G1.6 gb|BQ738378 2E−17 mlt-21 C26C6.3 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|BF060055 4E−18 gb|BG577864 4E−12 ocn-1 C42D8.5 gb|BM277122 6E−15 gb|BG520845 1E−15 CD4.4 gb|BG519941 6E−31 D1054.15 gb|BG520170 2E−26 mlt-20 F08C6.1 mlt-13 F09B12.1 gb|BF169279 5E−11 nhr-25 F11C1.6 trp-1 F29D11.r F38H4.9 F40G9.1 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|BM174586 2E−19 gb|BQ543136 4E−17 mlt-15 F52B11.3 F53G12.3 src-1 F54C9.2 DuOX F56C11.1 F57B9.2 H04M03.4 H19M22.2 blt-4 KD4F10.4 gb|CA033722 1E−95 gb|BQ693113 1E−51 mup-4 K07D8.1 M03F4.7 gb|CA033609 1E−62 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|BF060126 4E−25 gb|BM174670 8E−32 gb|BG353660 5E−26 pan-1 M88.6 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 T14F9.1 T23F2.1 skp-1 T27F2.1 mlp-18 W01F3.3 gb|BF422862 9E−18 gb|BM174557 9E−21 gb|BQ692168 2E−8 mlp-12 W08F4.6 W09B6.1 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BF060126 5E−57 gb|BQ455787 1E−35 gb|BF049882 2E−69 gb|BG353660 6E−68 Y37D8A.10 gb|BI595303 3E−68 Y48B6A.3 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|BE496755 3E−99 gb|BQ454813 5E−58 ptr-23 ZK270.1 mlp-11 ZK430.8 gb|BG353679 3E−28 ZK686.3 gb|BF423018 9E−74 Related Genes Toxocara canis Globodera pallida Globodera rostochiensis Meloidogyne arenaria Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value ahr-23 C01H6.5 blt-1 C09G5.6 gb|BM415129 1E−20 mlt-24 C17G1.6 gb|BI747415 2E−17 mlt-21 C26C6.3 gb|BM343299 gb|BI747765 2E−25 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|BI745765 4E−10 ocn-1 C42D8.5 gb|BI501765 4E−41 CD4.4 D1054.15 gb|BM415102 4E−56 gb|BI863068 2E−87 mlt-20 F08C6.1 mlt-13 F09B12.1 nhr-25 F11C1.6 gb|BM354985 2E−17 trp-1 F29D11.r gb|BM415763  E−119 gb|AW506417 2E−86 F38H4.9 F40G9.1 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|AW506351 2E−36 mlt-15 F52B11.3 F53G12.3 src-1 F54C9.2 DuOX F56C11.1 F57B9.2 H04M03.4 gb|BI745690 1E−61 H19M22.2 gb|BM343207 blt-4 KD4F10.4 gb|AW506559 8E−34 mup-4 K07D8.1 M03F4.7 gb|BM966480 9E−90 gb|BM415425 1E−66 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|BM965806 4E−16 pan-1 M88.6 gb|BI746256 3E−15 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 T14F9.1 gb|BM415082 2E−60 gb|BM345905 2E−73 T23F2.1 skp-1 T27F2.1 mlp-18 W01F3.3 gb|BI746672 6E−31 mlp-12 W08F4.6 W09B6.1 gb|BM966530 1E−37 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BM965806 1E−52 gb|BM344699 3E−78 gb|BI747934 8E−53 Y37D8A.10 gb|BI747379 4E−30 Y48B6A.3 gb|BM345416 3E−13 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|BM965583 9E−59 gb|AW506417 1E−14 ptr-23 ZK270.1 gb|BM344825 7E−18 gb|BI746878 2E−12 mlp-11 ZK430.8 ZK686.3 gb|AW505639 1E−32 Related Genes Meloidogyne incognita Meloidogyne javanica Meloidogyne hapta Heterodera glycines Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value ahr-23 C01H6.5 blt-1 C09G5.6 mlt-24 C17G1.6 mlt-21 C26C6.3 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|BI744615 4E−44 ocn-1 C42D8.5 gb|BM881559 8E−41 gb|BG735807 6E−38 gb|BM902335 9E−26 CD4.4 D1054.15 mlt-20 F08C6.1 mlt-13 F09B12.1 nhr-25 F11C1.6 trp-1 F29D11.r gb|BM901359 2E−43 F38H4.9 gb|BI744849 4E−79 F40G9.1 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|BI745272 3E−12 gb|BU094732 2E−30 gb|BF013515 2E−36 mlt-15 F52B11.3 gb|BM952243 9E−71 F53G12.3 src-1 F54C9.2 DuOX F56C11.1 F57B9.2 gb|BM881751 3E−36 H04M03.4 gb|BM902109 2E−56 H19M22.2 blt-4 KD4F10.4 gb|BM880593 9E−14 gb|BM901742 2E−20 mup-4 K07D8.1 gb|BE238861 8E−38 M03F4.7 gb|BM900690 2E−83 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|BQ613722 8E−25 gb|BQ836630 pan-1 M88.6 gb|BG735742 5E−14 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 gb|BQ613344 7E−47 T14F9.1 gb|BG735889 5E−65 gb|BF014612 2E−54 T23F2.1 gb|BM880892 6E−65 gb|BI744669 3E−52 gb|BM883631 2E−57 skp-1 T27F2.1 gb|BM881774 8E−22 gb|BI142900 3E−44 gb|BM900937 1E−33 mlp-18 W01F3.3 gb|BM882536 6E−30 gb|BI745590 9E−18 gb|BM902581 5E−19 mlp-12 W08F4.6 W09B6.1 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BQ613497 1E−68 gb|BM901834 6E−66 Y37D8A.10 gb|BM882772 4E−24 gb|BI396794 1E−29 Y48B6A.3 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|BQ613494 3E−21 gb|BM901402 2E−44 ptr-23 ZK270.1 gb|BE340858 6E−14 gb|BQ090105 2E−17 mlp-11 ZK430.8 gb|BM883419 1E−36 gb|BI396718 1E−27 ZK686.3 Related Genes Parastrongyloides Pristionchus pacificus trichosurl Ostertagia ostertagi Gene ORF Accession # E value Accession # E value Accession # E value ahr-23 C01H6.5 blt-1 C09G5.6 gb|BG734092 1E−22 mlt-24 C17G1.6 gb|BI500840 2E−23 gb|BI451087 2E−34 gb|BG733933 6E−20 mlt-21 C26C6.3 gb|BI451087 5E−35 gb|BG734159 9E−26 mlt-14 C34G6.6 gb|BI500192 2E−69 ocn-1 C42D8.5 gb|AW114662 3E−39 gb|BI451241 6E−33 CD4.4 gb|AW097092 8E−24 D1054.15 gb|AW115214 3E−29 mlt-20 F08C6.1 mlt-13 F09B12.1 nhr-25 F11C1.6 trp-1 F29D11.r F38H4.9 gb|BI863834 2E−69 gb|BQ097609 1E−104 F40G9.1 mlt-17 F45G2.5 F49C12.12 gb|BM513019 5E−30 mlt-15 F52B11.3 F53G12.3 src-1 F54C9.2 gb|AW052295 1E−55 DuOX F56C11.1 F57B9.2 H04M03.4 H19M22.2 blt-4 KD4F10.4 gb|BI451155 2E−63 gb|BQ099039 5E−18 mup-4 K07D8.1 M03F4.7 gb|AI986802 2E−52 gb|BM396658 3E−79 ifc-2 M6.1 gb|BQ099825 7E−20 pan-1 M88.6 T01C3.1 qhg-1 T05C12.10 T14F9.1 gb|BM513291 5E−69 T23F2.1 gb|BI703617 4E−13 skp-1 T27F2.1 mlp-18 W01F3.3 mlp-12 W08F4.6 gb|BM346811 6E−89 W09B6.1 ifa-2 W10G6.3 gb|BI322222 1E−43 gb|BM896621 6E−77 Y37D8A.10 gb|AW052236 7E−51 gb|BI744051 3E−29 Y48B6A.3 gb|BQ457533 6E−52 unc-52 ZC101.2 gb|BM513799 1E−14 ptr-23 ZK270.1 gb|AA193996 1E−62 gb|BI863807 4E−31 mlp-11 ZK430.8 ZK686.3 gb|AW097184 9E−71 (1) Top hits from tblastn searches with the predicted C. elegans gene product versus translated cDNAs isolated from the indicated species.

mlt-26, which encodes the worm ortholog of fibrilin-1, is conserved in humans. The human gene is associated with Marfan syndrome. MLT-14 and MLT-15 are homologous to NompA, a component of specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) in flies (Chung et al., Neuron 29:415-28, 2001). Putative modification enzymes include MLT-24 and MLT-21, tolloid family metalloproteases that might direct cuticle assembly by processing procollagens or other ECM proteins, just as tolloid family members regulate vertebrate ECM formation, in part, by cleaving procollagen C-propeptides (Unsold et al. JBC 277:5596-602, 2002; Rattenholl et al., JBC 277:26372-8, 2002). MLT-17 and MLT-18 likely inhibit extracelullar proteases, since both proteins contain domains similar to BPTI, and a comparable ECM protein of D. melanogaster inhibits metalloproteinases in vitro (Kramerova et al., Dev 127:5475-85, 2000). Of three peroxidases essential for molting, one, DuOx, probably crosslinks cuticle collagens (Edens et al., J. Cell Biol 154:879-91, 2001). Together, these enzymes likely regulate the spatial and temporal dynamics of epithelial remodeling during molting, and regulation of the corresponding genes may therefore ensure the orderly synthesis and breakdown of cuticle.

Neuroendocrine pathways regulate molting in arthropods, and likely also operate in nematodes. In insects, pulses of the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone trigger molting and metamorphosis, and the neuropeptide PTTH stimulates ecdysone synthesis in the prothoracic glands (Gilbert et al., Ann. Rev. Entomol. 47:883-916, 2002). The peptide hormone ETH drives behavioral routines essential for ecdysis (Park et al., Dev. 129:493-503, 2002; Zitnan et al., Science 271: 88-91, 1996), and the neuropeptide eclosion hormone (EH) triggers ETH secretion from epitracheal glands, in part. Environmental and 4 physiologic cues modulate secretion of PTTH, suggesting extensive neural input to the neuroendocrine secretions that govern molting (Gilbert et al., Ann. Rev. Entomol. 47:883-916, 2002).

In C. elegans, the requirement for two orphan nuclear hormone receptors, NHR-23 and NHR-25, orthologous, respectively, to the ecdysone-responsive gene products DHR3 and Ftfz-F1 of Drosophila melanogaster (Kostrouchova Dev. 125:1617-26, 1998; Gissendanner et al., Dev Biol 221:259-72, 2000), implicates an endocrine trigger for molting, possibly derived from steroids. Consistently, molting requires cholesterol, the biosynthetic precursor of all steroid hormones (Yochem et al. Dev. 126:597-606, 1999). Further, molting of the nematode Aphelenchus avenae requires a diffusible signal from the anterior of the worm (Davies et al., Int. J. Parasitol 24:649-55, 1994), pointing to an endocrine cue. Ecdysone itself, however, is unlikely to serve as a nematode molting hormone, because orthologs of the ecdysone receptor components ECR and USP have not been identified in the fully-sequenced genome of C. elegans (Sluder et al., Trends Genet 17:206-13, 2001), and because ecdysteroids have not been detected in any free-living nematode (Chitwood, Crit Rev Biochm Mol Biol 34:273-84, 1999). Several genes uncovered in our screen encode signaling molecules and transcription factors that might transduce endocrine signals for molting between neurons and epithelial cells (Table 1A and Table 1B), such as QHG-1 (quahog), a protein with a C-terminal Hint domain like that found in hedgehog (Aspock et al., Gen. Res. 9:909-23, 1999), as well NHR-23 and NHR-25, both synthesized in epithelial cells (Kostrouchova et al., Dev 125:1617-26, 1998; Gissendanner, Dev Biol 221:259-72, 2000). The mlt-12 or Y41D4B.10 genes might specify intercellular signals regulating molting, since the corresponding proteins contain secretory signal sequences, but lack transmembrane domains or motifs characteristic of ECM proteins. Moreover, dibasic sites in MLT-12 suggest proteolytic processing, while Y41D4B.10p resembles a delta/serrate ligand. ACN-1 is also predicted to function in the endocrine phase of molting, as the protein is 28% identical to human angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), the peptide protease that cleaves angiotensin 1 to 5 angiotensin II. ACN-1 is unlikely to catalyze proteolysis, because the active-sites residues of ACE are not conserved in the predicted ACN-1 protein. Nevertheless, ACN-1 could regulate production of a peptide molting hormone.

Twenty-three of the mlt genes identified herein (e.g., C09G5.6, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, C34G6.6, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F16B4.3, F18A1.3, F45G2.5, F49C12.2, F53B8.1, H04M03.4, H19M22.2, K07D8.1, M6.1, M88.6, T05C12.10, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, Y111B2A.14, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, and ZK430.8) appear unique to nematodes since sequence orthologs of the corresponding proteins were not identified in D. melanogaster or H. sapiens, but were readily identified among the predicted products of cDNAs derived from parasitic nematode species that infect mammals and insects. For mlt-12, thirty-two different cDNAs (Table 7) isolated from a library of molting O. volvulus larvae, the parasite associated with African River Blindness, were found to be orthologous. Whereas many cDNAs matching mlt-12 (e⁻¹²¹) were found in a library from molting O. volvulus (Table 4C), a similar gene was not found in the fly or human genomes. Identifying genes essential for C. elegans molting enables the development of safe and effective nematicides that, for example, target gene products conserved only in nematodes. One attractive target is MLT-12, because the mlt-12 gene is conserved and highly expressed at the molt in a parasitic nematode.

Molting proteases, like MLT-24, also represent attractive targets for the development of small molecule antagonists, given the success of drug development on protease targets for high blood pressure and HIV (Cvetkovic et al, 63:769-802, 2003). Moreover, pesticides that target molecular components of molting shared between arthropods and nematodes, such as the ECM proteins MLT-14 and MLT-15, are expected to harm only Ecdysozoans, and therefore be much less toxic to humans than current insecticides.

The methods of the invention are useful for treating or preventing an O. volvulus parasitic infection by inhibiting O. volvulus mlt-12. In one embodiment, an RNA O. volvulus mlt-12 nucleic acid inhibitor is administered to an infected person or to a person at risk of infection, for example, a person living in an area in which O. volvulus is endemic. This administration inhibits molting in O. volvulus, interrupts the life cycle of the causitive agent of African River Blindness, and treats or prevents an O. volvulus infection. Because there is no mlt-12 human homologue, administration of a chemical compound or RNA nucleic acid inhibitor of mlt-12 would be expected to produce few, if any, adverse human side effects.

Several of the mlt genes identified herein and presented in Table 4A were found in insects and nematodes, but not in yeast, suggesting that their protein products are good candidates to function in molting in all Ecdysozoans. In particular, mlt-15, which corresponds to F52B11.3, and ZK686.3 have orthologs in Drosophila, but homologous genes were not identified in other metazoans or yeast. Genes present in Ecdysozoans (e.g., Drosophila, C. elegans and other nematodes), but missing or divergent in non-molting organisms (e.g., chordate clade members, such as vertebrates), likely function in molt neuroregulatory pathways. Given that Ecdysozoans are distant from humans and are the only animals that molt, it is likely that mlt genes that are present only in Ecdysozoans can be inhibited with drugs or siRNAs that will not have adverse side effects in humans.

Regulation of mlt Gene Expression

To determine if the newly-identified mlt genes are periodically or continually expressed during larval development, gene fusions were generated in which GFP was expressed under the control of the mlt-12, mlt-13, mlt-18, mlt-10, mlt-24, and acn-1 promoters. To shorten the half-life of the GFP fusion proteins to approximately one hour in vivo, a PEST sequence driving rapid protein degradation (Loetscher et al., J. Biol. Chem. 266:11213-20) was added to the end of the GFP open reading frame. The fusion genes were each microinjected into temperature-sensitive pha-1(e2123) mutant animals along with a pha-1(+) rescuing construct. Table 5 lists strains used in this study. TABLE 5 Strains Used in mlt GFP PEST Expression Strain Genotype Source Reference N2 wild-type CGC GE24 pha-1(e2123) III CGC Granato et al., 1994 NL2099 rrf-3(pk1426) II CGC GR1348 pha-1(e2123) mgEx646[P_(mlt-10):: this study GFP-PEST pha-1⁺] GR1349 pha-1(e2123) mgEx647[P_(mlt-12):: this study GFP-PEST pha-1⁺] GR1350 pha-1(e2123) mgEx648[P_(mlt-13):: this study GFP-PEST pha-1⁺] GR1351 pha-1(e2123) mgEx649[P_(mlt-18):: this study GFP-PEST pha-1⁺] GR1368 pha-1(e2123) mgEx656 [mlt- this study 24::gfp-pest pha-1] GR1367 pha-1(e2123) mgEx654 [acn- this study 1::gfp-pest pha-1] GR1348 pha-1(e2123) mgEx657 [mlt- this study 10::gfp-pest pha-1] GR1387 pha-1(e2123) mgEx659 [mlt- this study 13::gfp pha-1]

Table 6 lists the primers used to construct the mlt GFP-PEST fusion genes. TABLE 6 mlt Gene Primers Table 56. Primers for construction of GFP fusion genes Gene Primer U1 Primer U2 mlt-12 5′ TAAATTTTGGAGGGTCTCGGC 3′ 5′ GGAAAAACGACACGACTATGG 3′ mlt-13 5′ TTAATTGCCGCGCAAAATGCG 3′ 5′ ATGCGACGAAATCACTACTCGG 3′ mlt-18 5′ GCGATGGAGTACCACTTGGCGATTTTTGG 3′ 5′ GCTAGAAATGGGTGAAATCGGTCTTCCGG 3′ acn-1 5′ ACCGTGATTGGACTGTTTTCAGTGCACC 3′ 5′ ACCGTGATTGGACTGTTTTCAGTGCACC 3′ mlt-24 5′ GCTTTGAACCCGCAGACACTAAGATTGG 3′ 5′ TGAACTGACGAAACTGGGAGGATAACCG 3′ mlt-10 5′ GTTAGCCTTCCAACCTGAATAGAGAACAGG 3′ 5′ GTTAGCCTTCCAACCTGAATAGAGAACAGG 3′ Gene Primer FU‡ Primer F1 mlt-12 5′ TTTAAAATCAAATTTCTCAGGTAATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATTACCTGAGAAATTTGATTTTAAA 3′ mlt-13 5′ TATCCGACCACACTACCATCAGAATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATTCTGATGGTAGTGTGGTCGGATA 3′ mlt-18 5′ AATTCCTATCAGTTGTCGGGTAATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATTACCCGACAACTGATAGGAATT 3′ acn-1 5′ TTATTTATAGTTGTTTTTCAGATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATCTGAAAAACAACTATAAATAA 3′ mlt-24 5′ TCTTGATGTTCTATTTTGCAGAATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATTCTGCAAAATAGAACATCAAGA 3′ mlt-10 5′ GTAATAAATTTTGGCAATAAATCATG-R1 3′ 5′ R2-CATGATTTATTGCCAAAATTTATTAC 3′ ‡R1 refers to the sequence 5′ CGGGATTGGCCAAAGGACCCAAAG 3′ R2 refers to the sequence complementary to R1

For each reporter, genomic DNA isolated from N2 worms was amplified using primers A1 (SEQ ID NOs:1-3) and FL (SEQ ID NOs:10-12), while DNA from pAF207 was amplified using primers FU (SEQ ID NOs:7-9) and CAW31 (5′ GCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGCC 3′ (SEQ ID NO:13), (Wolkow et al., Science 290: 147-50, 2000), using high-fidelity Taq. The EXPAND LONG TEMPLATE PCR SYSTEM (Roche Molecular Biochemicals), a kit containing PCR reagents, was used for all reactions.

The two PCR products were annealed and the resulting polynucleotide amplified using primers A2 (SEQ ID NO:4-6) and CAW32 (5′ CCGCTTACAGACAAGCTGTGACCG 3′) (SEQ ID NO:16). To add the PEST sequence to the C-terminus of GFP, nucleotides 1399-1524 of pd1EGFP-N1 (Invitrogen) were inserted into pPD95_(—)81 provided by A. Fire) between the last coding codon and the stop codon of GFP. This generated vector pAF207. The reporter constructs fpAF15, fpAF9, and fpAF12 correspond, respectively, to Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST, Pmlt-13::GFP-PEST, and Pmlt-18::GFP-PEST. In Table 6, R₁ refers to the DNA sequence: 5′ CGGGATTGGCCAAAGGACCCAAAG 3′(SEQ ID NO:14) and R₂ refers to the DNA sequence 5′ CTTTGGGTCCTTTGGCCAATCCCG 3′ (SEQ ID NO:15). To generate the extrachromosomal arrays mg647, mg648, and mg649, respectively, fpAF15, fpAF9, and fpAF12 were purified by gel electrophoresis and then microinjected into pha-1(e 2123) mutant animals along with the pha-1⁺ plasmid pBX at 3 ng/ul (Granato et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 22: 1762-3, 1994) and pBS DNA bringing the final DNA concentration to 100 ng/ul. Transgenic lines were recovered as described (Granato et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 22: 1762-3, 1994).

A fusion gene between mlt-13 and standard gfp was constructed using pPD95_(—)81 as the PCR template. PCR reactions were performed under conditions described previously (Fraser et al., Nature 408:325-30, 2000). To generate the extrachromosomal arrays mgEx647, mgEx648, mgEx649, mgEx656, mgEx654, mgEx657, and mg659, the PCR products corresponding to, respectively, mlt-12::gfp-pest, mlt-13::gfp-pest, mlt-18::gfp-pest, mlt-24::gfp-pest, acn-1::gfp-pest, mlt-10::gfp-pest, and mlt-13::gfp, each at 10 ng/ul, were microinjected into temperature-sensitive pha-1 (e2123) mutant animals along with the pha-1(+) plasmid pBX (6) at 3 ng/ul and pBS DNA at 87 ng/ul, allowing for the recovery and cultivation of worm populations in which virtually all animals maintained the fusion genes, because only pha-1(+) transgenic embryos survive at 25° C. (Kamath et al., Nature 421:231-7, 2003). To verify that GFP-PEST molecules are degraded by the proteosome, we found that RNAi of the proteosome subunit gene pbs-5 sustained fluorescence from mlt-10::gfp in larvae arrested for 2 days.

Use of the pha-1 (e2123) genetic background allowed for the cultivation of worm populations in which virtually all animals expressed the extrachromosal array, because only transgenic animals expressing pha-1(+) survive embryonic development at 25° C. (Granato et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 22: 1762-3, 1994). Temporal oscillations in gene expression were observed as changes in GFP-fluorescence over the period of a single molting cycle. Worms were visualized by Nomarski optics using standard techniques, and fluorescence was quantified using OPENLAB software (Improvision Inc. Lexington, Mass.).

Monitoring mlt::gfp Fusion Gene Expression

To monitor temporal expression of the mlt gene gfp fusion genes, synchronized L1 hatchlings of GR1348, GR1349, GR1350, or GR1351 (Table 5) were plated on NGM with E. coli strain OP50 as a food source and incubated at 25° C. Fluorescent larvae were selected 14 hours later to ensure the use of non-mosaic, highly synchronous animals. Larvae were scored once every hour for detectable fluorescence, using a Zeiss Stemi-SV6 microscope, and for molting, indicated by shedding of the cuticle. Each animal was transferred to a new plate after each molt. In FIG. 2, we report the percentage of animals that were fluorescent over time, on a scale normalized to the period between molts for each worm under observation. As an example, a larvae that molted from L1 to L2 at noon, molted from L2 to L3 at 8 PM, was fluorescent at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., and was not fluorescent at 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. would be recorded as fluorescent from time 1.75 to time 2.0, or, from 87.5 to 100% of the L2 stage. Calculations of the average duration of fluorescence, with the 95% confidence interval, include observations from larvae during the L2, L3, and L4 stages. Because many of the extrachromosomal arrays were associated with some larval lethality, only larvae that completed all four molts were included in the final analysis. A total of 24 larvae were analyzyed for mlt-12::gfp; 20, for the other reporters.

Fluorescence from all six gfp fusion genes was observed in epithelial cells that secrete cuticle, in larvae and, in some cases, late embryos. All six reporters were expressed in the hypodermis and, for mlt-13, mlt-18, mlt-24, and acn-1, also in the lateral seam cells, which are essential for molting and morphogenesis of the cuticle. FIGS. 2A-2D show that a pulse of fluorescence was observed in the hypodermis prior to each of the four molts, for all six gfp fusion genes. Fluorescence from mlt-12::gfp was first detected approximately 3 hours before the L1/L2 molt, which occurred roughly 17 hours after starved hatchlings were fed and cultivated at 25° C. The intensity of fluorescence increased until lethargus, a brief period when larvae cease moving or feeding before molting, and then decreased rapidly, such that fluorescence was barely detectable 2 hours after the molt (FIG. 2A). Monitoring individual Ex[mlt-12::gfp] larvae over the course of development, fluorescence was observed starting at 65±2% and ending at 90±2% of the way through each larval stage (FIG. 2B).

Cultivation of worms at 15° C. delayed the first appearance of fluorescence in L1 larvae, and the first molt, by approximately 15 hours, and also expanded the period between peaks in fluorescence and between molts to the same extent Similarly, the pulse of hypodermal expression for the mlt-13 or mlt-10 reporters began, respectively, 64±3% or 63±2% of the way through each larval stage. Hypodermal fluorescence from mlt-18::gfp was detected earlier, from 51±2% to 72±3% of each stage, suggesting that MLT-18 antiprotease synthesized midway through a larval stage might repress proteases that are post-translationally activated at ecdysis. Fluorescence from mlt-13::gfp and mlt-18::gfp in seam cells also cycled in phase with molting, but often preceded and persisted longer than fluorescence in the hypodermis (FIG. 2C).

FIGS. 3A-3H show that fluorescence associated with Pmlt18::GFP-PEST was detectable in the hypodermis during late intermolt and intensified until ecydsis. After ecydsis, fluorescence dissipated rapidly and did not increase until the onset of the next molt. Fluorescence associated with Pmlt-13::GFP-PEST was observed in the anterior cells of the hypodermis during lethargus and molting, and in the seam cells when they underwent division, close to the time of lethargus (FIGS. 3G and 3H). Fluorescence associated with Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST was observed in the hypodermis shortly before each of the four molts. The ability of the mlt-12, mlt-13, and mlt-18 promoters to drive cyclic GFP expression in synchrony with the molting cycle identifies these genes as components of a periodic gene expression program required for molting. Moreover, the expression, timing, and pattern of mlt-12 in hypodermis and of mlt-13 and mlt-18 in both hypodermis and seam cells is consistent with a role for these genes in ecdysis, given that hypodermal cells secrete cuticle and seam cells are required for molting.

Northern Analysis

To verify that cycling fluorescence from a gfp-pest fusion gene reflects dynamic temporal regulation of gene expression, we examined the level of one milt gene message by northern analysis. The abundance of mlt-10 mRNA in late L4 larvae exceeded that of mid L4 larvae by a factor of 6, and mlt-10 mRNA was barely detectable in young adults (FIG. 2D), consistent with the observation that fluorescence from mlt-10::gfppest peaks late in each larval stage.

For northern analysis, RNA from extracts of mid L4, late L4, and young adult animals was resolved and hybridized with a mlt-10 probe, corresponding to base pair 5070 to 6997 of cosmid C09E8 (GenBank Accession No: AF077529) (Lee et al., Science 300:644-647, 2003). Message levels were quantified using Imagequant software and a phosphorimager.

To order gene expression cascades, synchronized hatchlings of GR1348 and GR1349 were fed bacteria expressing dsRNA for each gene of interest, or, as a comtrol, fed isogenic bacteria not expressing dsRNA for a worm gene. After incubation for no more than 15 hours at 25° C., single, fluorescent larvae were transferred to 24 well RNAi plates seeded with the appropriate bacteria. For each developmental stage, larvae were observed over a 6 to 9 hour time period starting when control larvae first became fluorescent, and scored every 2 to 3 hours for detectable fluorescence and for the Mlt phenotype. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, we report the percentage of animals that were fluorescent prior to a defective molt, normalized to the fraction of control larvae that were fluorescent before molting from the same stage. Note that RNAi of mlt-12 or acn-1 prevented completion of the L2/L3 molt, whereas RNAi of qhg-1, mlt-16, or mlt-13 interfered most often with the L3/L4 or L4/A molts. RNAi of nhr-23 prevented completion of the L2/L3 molt in most Ex[mlt-12::gfp] larvae, but interfered with the L3/L4 or L4/A molts in Ex[mlt-10::gfp] larvae. Fluorescence was observed in 95% (n=56), 100% (n=43), or 94% (n=48) of control Ex[mlt-10::gfp] larvae during, respectively, the L2, L3, or L4 stage. Fluorescence was observed in 74% (n=57) or 70% (n=36) of L2 stage Ex[mlt-12::gfp] larvae, and in 90% (n=49) of L4 stage Ex[mlt-12::gfp] larvae.

To screen the full set of molting gene inactivations, approximately 20 synchronized hatchlings of GR1348 were fed each bacterial clone in 24 well format, in two trials. The percent of larvae with detectable fluorescence was scored 1 to 3 hours before the L2/L3, L3/L4, and L4/A molts, when the majority of control GR1348 larvae were fluorescent.

Fluorescence from particular gfp fusion genes was also observed in specialized epithelia including the rectal gland, rectal epithelia, the excretory duct and pore cells, and vulval precursors (FIG. 5). Interestingly, the acn-1 fusion gene was also expressed in the excretory gland cell of larvae (FIG. 5). This gland cell may release or receive endocrine signals regulating molting (Chitwood, Crit Rev Biochm Mol Biol 34:273-84, 1999), and ACN-1 produced in the gland could regulate such an endocrine output. RNAi of acn-1 likely reduces expression in the gland cell, since RNAi of gfp reduces fluorescence from acn-1::gfp in the entire excretory system. Fluorescence from mlt-12::GFP was also observed in a single posterior neuron that remains to be identified.

Taken together, the spatio-temporal expression pattern off fusion genes suggests that mlt-10, mlt-12, mlt-13, mlt-24, milt-18, and acn-1 are expressed transiently before molting in epithelial cells that synthesize cuticle, and thus define a periodic gene expression program essential for molting. The upstream regulators driving mlt gene expression might also control collagen and nuclear hormone receptor genes whose expression oscillates over the molting cycle (Johnstone et al., EMBO J. 15:3633-9, 1996).

Newly-identified mlt genes may be organized into genetic pathways using epistasis analysis. One strategy for organizing the newly-identified mlt genes into genetic pathways is to examine the expression of the Pmlt-GFP-PEST reporter genes in larvae undergoing RNAi against each of the newly-identified mlt genes.

The nuclear hormone receptor gene, nhr-23, was inactivated by RNAi (as described above) in Ex[Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST] larvae. GFP fluorescence was then detected by fluorescence microscopy at the time of the L3/L4 or L4/adult molt. Fluorescence associated with Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST was often not detectable in Mlt nematodes newly trapped in cuticle. In contrast, fluorescence associated with Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST was detected in Mlt nematodes undergoing RNAi against lrp-1, rme-8, mlt-24, or mlt-26. Control larvae, which were Non-Mlt larvae fed bacteria transformed with an empty vector, also displayed Pmlt-12::GFP-PEST fluorescence.

This observation, that nhr-23(RNAi) larvae carrying mlt-12::gfp or mlt-10::gfp failed to become fluorescent prior to their unsuccessful molt (FIG. 4A), suggested that the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-23, synthesized in epithelial cells (Kostrouchova Dev. 125:1617-26, 1998), initiates the pulse of mlt gene expression late in each larval stage, thereby provoking an epithelial response to an endocrine cue for molting. Consistently, inactivation of nhr-23 diminished hypodermal fluorescence from mlt-24::gfp and mlt-18::gfp. Signaling via NHR-23 may coordinate collagen production with the synthesis of MLT proteins that direct cuticle assembly, since nhr-23 also drives expression of the cuticle collagen gene dpy-7 (Kostrouchova et al., PNAS 98:7360-5, 2001). Moreover, MLT-12 likely functions downstream of NHR-23 in a regulatory cascade, since inactivation of mlt-12 also abrogates expression of mlt-10::gfp, but not of mlt-12::gfp (FIG. 3A). MLT-12 secreted from the hypodermis could serve as an autocrine signal for molting, but could also signal to muscle cells, or provide feedback to neurons.

The majority of acn-1(RNAi) larvae also failed to express either mlt-12::gfp or mlt-10::gfp before an unsuccessful molt (FIG. 4A), consistent with the view that ACN-1 synthesized in the hypodermis or excretory gland functions in the endocrine phase of molting. In contrast, after inactivation of the hedgehog-like gene qhg-1, the fibrillin homolog mlt-16, or the novel gene mlt-13, as many larvae expressed the fusion genes as did control larvae molting from the same developmental stage, suggesting that these genes function downstream of, or in parallel to, induction of mlt-10, in the execution phase of molting.

To order the action of additional molting genes, we monitored fluorescence from mlt-10::gfp in 58 gene inactivations. Populations of Ex[mlt-10::gfp] larvae fed each dsRNA were observed late in the L2, L3, and L4 stages. Inactivation of five genes abrogated expression of mlt-10::gfp in 85% or more of larvae during one stage, and blocked development shortly thereafter (FIG. 4B). The five genes, Y41D4B.10, W09B6.1, D1054.15, M03F8.3, and Y48B6A.3, likely function upstream of mlt-10, and encode, respectively, a secretory protein resembling delta/serrate ligands, acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase, homologs of the RNA splicing factors PLRG-1 (Ajuh et al., JBC 276:42370-81, 2001), or CRN (Chung et al. RNA 5:1042-54, 1999; Chung et al., Biochim Biophys Acta 1576: 287-97, 2002), and an exoribonuclease 54% identical to human XRN2 (Zhang et al., Genomics 59:252-4, 1999). Since microRNAs regulate developmental transitions in C. elegans (Reinhart et al., Nature 403:901-6, 2000), one intriguing possibility is that the product of Y48B6A.3 negatively regulates the abundance of one or more microRNAs whose target genes drive the L4-to-Adult molt. Among Ex[mlt-10::gfp] larvae fed 34 other dsRNAs, an equal or greater fraction became fluorescent as control larvae of the same stage (FIG. 4B). Molting-defective, fluorescent larvae were observed upon inactivation of mlt-24, F45G2.5, ZK430.8, unc-52, W10G6.3, kin-2, bli-1, and DuOx, strongly suggesting that the genes function downstream, or in parallel, to mlt-10 expression.

By analogy with arthropods, we expect that neuroendocrine cues initiate molting in C. elegans, ultimately stimulating epithelial cells to synthesize a new cuticle and release the old one. Together, gene annotations, expression patterns, and ordering experiments suggested that our screen identified several endocrine regulators of molting, including MLT-12, ACN-1, and NHR-23, as well as enzymes and ECM components essential for remodeling the exoskeleton.

Similar epistatic analyses are expected to place many, if not all, of the new mlt genes into genetic pathways characterized by early steps associated with neuroendocrine signaling or later steps promoting escape from the old cuticle.

Ecdysozoan Orthologs

DNA sequences corresponding to mlt genes of interest were retrieved from the repositories of sequence information at either the NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) or wormbase (www.wormbase.org). The DNA sequence was then used for standard translating blast [tBLASTN] searching using the NCBI website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/BLASTA. The DNA sequence corresponding to the top ortholog candidate produced by tblastn was retrieved from Genbank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and used for a BLASTx search of C. elegans proteins using the wormbase site (http://www.wormbase.org/db/searches/blast). These methods provide for the identification of orthologs of C. elegans mlt genes (Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) revealed by our RNAi analysis. An ortholog is a protein that is highly related to a reference sequence. One skilled in the art would expect an ortholog to functionally substitute for the reference sequence. Tables 4A-4D and 7 list exemplary orthologs by Genbank accession number. C. elegans gene: M6.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Ascaris suum ki02g09.y1 gb|BM280603 1e−28 Ascaris suum kk52b05.y1 gb|BQ382546 1e−26 Ascaris suum As_L3_09B01_SKPL gb|BI594018 1e−25 Ascaris suum kj92f03.y1 gb|BM965152 3e−24 Ascaris suum As_nc_10C07_SKPL gb|BI594311 1e−22 Ascaris suum ki08f11.y1 gb|BM281039 2e−18 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU14E02SK gb|AW675831 8e−19 Brugia malayi SWYACAL08E03SK gb|BE758356 5e−18 Haemonchus Hc_d11_11E10_SKPL gb|BF060126 4e−25 contortus Haemonchus Hc_d11_18E03_SKPL gb|BF422872 2e−20 contortus Haemonchus Hc_d11_09G03_SKPL gb|BF059991 1e−16 contortus Meloidogyne rd19e10.y1 gb|BQ613722 8e−25 incognita Meloidogyne rd02c03.y1 gb|BQ613170 1e−24 incognita Meloidogyne rd08a12.y1 gb|BQ613497 2e−24 incognita Meloidogyne hapla rf48d08.y1 gb|BQ836630 1e−21 Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM52D01SK gb|BF824665 4e−16 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvL3CAN13E07 gb|AA917260 2e−19 volvulus Ostertagia ostertagi ph69a09.y1 gb|BQ099825 7e−20 Strongyloides ratti kt51c06.y4 gb|BI742464 8e−19 Strongyloides kq58d04.y1 gb|BF014961 3e−28 stercoralis Strongyloides kq25d02.y1 gb|BE579290 7e−20 stercoralis Strongyloides kq31d11.y1 gb|BE579614 1e−20 stercoralis Strongyloides kq07e05.y1 gb|BG227475 1e−19 stercoralis Strongyloides kq38a11.y1 gb|BE580177 3e−19 stercoralis Toxocara canis ko17e01.y1 gb|BM965806 4e−16 Trichinella spiralis ps41c08.y1 gb|BG353660 5e−26 Trichinella spiralis ps21c11.y4 gb|BG732010 3e−20 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_32C10_SKPL gb|BM174670 8e−32

C. elegans gene: ZC101.2 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000659084026 gb|BM601480 6e−31 Anopheles gambiae 17000687479592 gb|BM596670 3e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687506857 gb|BM598004 2e−15 Anopheles gambiae 17000687368906 gb|BM588620 4e−15 Anopheles gambiae 17000687134459 gb|BM612519 5e−15 Anopheles gambiae 17000687565373 gb|BM637990 2e−13 Aedes aegypti AEMTBL28 gb|AI618963 5e−23 Ancylostoma caninum pb38e07.y1 gb|BQ666249 5e−13 Ascaris suum kh43d01.y1 gb|BI782862 1e−13 Bombyx mori AV399222 dbj|AV399222 2e−21 Brugia malayi BSBmL3SZ44P24SK gb|AI723671 5e−60 Brugia malayi SWL4CAK11D03SK gb|AW600207 9e−53 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU01B01SK gb|AW179566 2e−45 Brugia malayi MB3D6V3B03T3 gb|AA661133 2e−27 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU13H12SK gb|AW676004 4e−25 Dirofilaria immitis ke10h02.y1 gb|BQ454813 5e−58 Dirofilaria immitis ke15g10.y1 gb|BQ454884 2e−14 Globodera rostochiensis GE1828 gb|AW506417 1e−14 Haemonchus contortus Hc_d11_08E04_SKPL gb|BE496755 3e−99 Ancylostoma caninum pa32g09.y1 gb|BE352403 4e−19 Meloidogyne hapla rc29b02.y1 gb|BM901402 2e−44 Meloidogyne hapla rc45d03.y1 gb|BM901130 3e−40 Meloidogyne hapla rc47g03.y1 gb|BM901696 3e−39 Meloidogyne incognita rd08a06.y1 gb|BQ613494 3e−21 Meloidogyne incognita MD0294 gb|BE217664 2e−15 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL2CAS04B06SK gb|AW980135 4e−62 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL3CAN52A02SK gb|AI132759 7e−43 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM25F01SK gb|AI581466 4e−14 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL3CAN18G05 gb|AI096109 4e−44 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA770SK gb|AA294548 7e−36 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx99e03.y2 gb|BM513799 1e−14 Strongyloides ratti kt72h10.y1 gb|BI323571 3e−44 Strongyloides ratti kt75c08.y3 gb|BI502464 2e−39 Strongyloides ratti kt20f09.y1 gb|BG894201 1e−36 Strongyloides ratti kt33h03.y1 gb|BI073703 2e−21 Strongyloides ratti kt27e05.y3 gb|BI450558 9e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kq04h11.y1 gb|BG227295 1e−49 Strongyloides stercoralis kq42h08.y1 gb|BE581152 1e−49 Strongyloides stercoralis kq26e04.y1 gb|BE579360 2e−32 Toxocara canis ko14a04.y1 gb|BM965583 9e−59

C. elegans gene: D1054.15 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687163725 gb|BM577379 3e−71 Anopheles gambiae 17000687054314 gb|BM600555 1e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687477449 gb|BM595864 6e−25 Amblyomma EST575203 gb|BM292661 6e−33 variegatum Ancylostoma pa80h05.y1 gb|BG232752 4e−77 caninum Meloidogyne rm16b05.y1 gb|BI863068 2e−87 arenaria Globodera pallida OP20173 gb|BM415102 4e−56 Necator americanus Na_L3_47E12_SAC gb|BU088714 e−108 Onchocerca SWOvMfCAR07F05SK gb|BE202350 9e−49 volvulus Pristionchus rs62h03.y1 gb|AW115214 3e−29 pacificus Trichinella spiralis ps30a03.y2 gb|BG520170 2e−28

C. elegans gene: Y37D8A.10 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687279294 gb|BM583815 2e−24 Anopheles gambiae 17000687137751 gb|BM612986 1e−22 Anopheles gambiae 17000687067307 gb|BM601081 8e−22 Bombyx mori AV402441 dbj|AV402441 4e−28 Haemonchus contortus Hc_L3_04D09_SKPL gb|BI595303 3e−68 Heterodera glycines ro61h02.y3 gb|BI396794 1e−29 Heterodera glycines ro73d01.y1 gb|BI749054 4e−27 Meloidogyne arenaria rm39d08.y1 gb|BI747379 4e−30 Meloidogyne arenaria rm23g05.y1 gb|BI746177 3e−26 Meloidogyne incognita rb29e05.y1 gb|BM882772 4e−24 Meloidogyne incognita ra93b11.y1 gb|BM774415 2e−20 Necator americanus Na_L3_32G04_SAC gb|BU666155 9e−27 Necator americanus Na_L3_27B01_SAC gb|BU088007 3e−26 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx55a12.y1 gb|BI744051 3e−29 Pristionchus pacificus rs33b11.y1 gb|AW052236 7e−51 Strongyloides stercoralis kp31d05.y1 gb|BE029374 1e−37 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj18d12.y1 gb|BQ288481 2e−59 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj18b06.y1 gb|BQ288451 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj18f04.y1 gb|BQ288495 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19a07.y1 gb|BQ288871 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19e09.y1 gb|BQ288915 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19f07.y1 gb|BQ288924 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19g09.y1 gb|BQ288934 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj20b03.y1 gb|BQ289634 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj21b01.y1 gb|BQ289718 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj21d08.y1 gb|BQ289743 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj21e04.y1 gb|BQ289749 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj22a07.y1 gb|BQ289455 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj22b06.y1 gb|BQ289464 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj22h05.y1 gb|BQ289530 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj23a11.y1 gb|BQ289548 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj23d03.y1 gb|BQ289565 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24d12.y1 gb|BQ289067 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24e03.y1 gb|BQ289070 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24g03.y1 gb|BQ289088 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj25b04.y1 gb|BQ288958 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj25c06.y1 gb|BQ288971 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj26c09.y1 gb|BQ289134 3e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28d09.y1 gb|BQ289322 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28e11.y1 gb|BQ289334 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28f04.y1 gb|BQ289338 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28f07.y1 gb|BQ289341 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28h06.y1 gb|BQ289361 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj29c04.y1 gb|BQ289391 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj29d03.y1 gb|BQ289401 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj30e06.y1 gb|BQ288830 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj30g06.y1 gb|BQ288847 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj30h03.y1 gb|BQ288855 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31a06.y1 gb|BQ288703 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31c11.y1 gb|BQ288727 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31d01.y1 gb|BQ288729 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31d04.y1 gb|BQ288732 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj33d04.y1 gb|BQ288645 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj33d09.y1 gb|BQ288650 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj33g10.y1 gb|BQ288684 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj33h04.y1 gb|BQ288689 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj34a03.y1 gb|BQ274663 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj34d06.y1 gb|BQ274700 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35e01.y1 gb|BQ274789 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35e12.y1 gb|BQ274800 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35f05.y1 gb|BQ274803 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj36c11.y1 gb|BQ275536 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj36e10.y1 gb|BQ275566 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38a12.y1 gb|BQ274837 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38b02.y1 gb|BQ274838 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38g07.y1 gb|BQ274896 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38g12.y1 gb|BQ274900 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj39f02.y1 gb|BQ274962 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj39g08.y1 gb|BQ274977 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj39h11.y1 gb|BQ274990 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40b05.y1 gb|BQ275007 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40b06.y1 gb|BQ275008 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40b11.y1 gb|BQ275012 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj41e03.y1 gb|BQ275122 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj41e07.y1 gb|BQ275126 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj41f02.y1 gb|BQ275133 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj42b02.y1 gb|BQ275176 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj42b12.y1 gb|BQ275185 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj42c11.y1 gb|BQ275195 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj42e03.y1 gb|BQ275208 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj42g08.y1 gb|BQ275233 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43a09.y1 gb|BQ275256 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43b04.y1 gb|BQ275262 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43d07.y1 gb|BQ275287 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43e04.y1 gb|BQ275295 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj45c09.y1 gb|BQ275446 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj45c12.y1 gb|BQ275449 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj46f09.y1 gb|BQ275735 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj46f12.y1 gb|BQ275738 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj47g06.y1 gb|BQ275825 5e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48a03.y1 gb|BQ275842 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48a11.y1 gb|BQ275850 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48b09.y1 gb|BQ275860 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48e12.y1 gb|BQ275895 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj50g03.y1 gb|BQ276059 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj50g07.y1 gb|BQ276063 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj51b04.y1 gb|BQ276091 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj51g04.y1 gb|BQ276145 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj53c01.y1 gb|BQ288078 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj54d07.y1 gb|BQ288160 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj56c04.y1 gb|BQ288297 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj56f08.y1 gb|BQ288327 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj57c06.y1 gb|BQ288376 2e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj57g03.y1 gb|BQ288415 4e−57 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19c08.y1 gb|BQ288893 7e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj19g02.y1 gb|BQ288927 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj20f10.y1 gb|BQ289683 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj21f06.y1 gb|BQ289758 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj22b10.y1 gb|BQ289468 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj23e11.y1 gb|BQ289589 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24g11.y1 gb|BQ289093 5e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24h06.y1 gb|BQ289100 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj25c04.y1 gb|BQ288969 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj26a09.y1 gb|BQ289111 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj27d08.y1 gb|BQ289233 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj27f06.y1 gb|BQ289254 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28b02.y1 gb|BQ289292 5e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28e06.y1 gb|BQ289330 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28h04.y1 gb|BQ289359 5e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj30f04.y1 gb|BQ288837 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31a12.y1 gb|BQ288708 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj31h01.y1 gb|BQ288774 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj32a08.y1 gb|BQ288531 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj32g07.y1 gb|BQ288598 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj33a10.y1 gb|BQ288621 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj34g06.y1 gb|BQ274732 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj34g09.y1 gb|BQ274734 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35d10.y1 gb|BQ274788 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35e05.y1 gb|BQ274793 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj35g08.y1 gb|BQ274814 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj37e02.y1 gb|BQ275637 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38d11.y1 gb|BQ274868 7e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38e07.y1 gb|BQ274876 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38f07.y1 gb|BQ274885 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj39e10.y1 gb|BQ274958 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj39f12.y1 gb|BQ274970 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40e07.y1 gb|BQ275043 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40f11.y1 gb|BQ275056 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj40h07.y1 gb|BQ275074 7e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj41e06.y1 gb|BQ275125 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43a07.y1 gb|BQ275254 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj44d05.y1 gb|BQ275371 7e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj46b08.y1 gb|BQ275695 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj46h04.y1 gb|BQ275751 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj47e05.y1 gb|BQ275803 5e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj47g03.y1 gb|BQ275822 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48e07.y1 gb|BQ275890 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj48h05.y1 gb|BQ275920 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj51c10.y1 gb|BQ276107 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj51d07.y1 gb|BQ276116 2e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj51f12.y1 gb|BQ276141 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj53b08.y1 gb|BQ288073 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj53b11.y1 gb|BQ288076 4e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj53d09.y1 gb|BQ288094 9e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj55d09.y1 gb|BQ288231 1e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj56a11.y1 gb|BQ288274 3e−56 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj47g05.y1 gb|BQ275824 2e−55 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj49g12.y1 gb|BQ275986 8e−55 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj50e07.y1 gb|BQ276042 1e−55 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj21d03.y1 gb|BQ289738 3e−53 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj24c02.y1 gb|BQ289052 3e−53 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj23h05.y1 gb|BQ289614 2e−52 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj28a01.y1 gb|BQ289280 2e−52 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj36d11.y1 gb|BQ275548 2e−52 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj38f01.y1 gb|BQ274881 3e−51 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj50f12.y1 gb|BQ276056 1e−50 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj43h10.y1 gb|BQ275332 2e−48 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj20g08.y1 gb|BQ289691 8e−44 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj45g02.y1 gb|BQ275483 2e−24

C. elegans gene: W01F3.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687309881 gb|BM642414 9e−24 Ancylostoma pb20b05.y1 gb|BM077795 2e−19 caninum Haemonchus Hc_d11_18C12_SKPL gb|BF422862 9e−18 contortus Caenorhabditis pk19f02.r1 gb|R04105 2e−33 briggsae Meloidogyne rm30c06.y1 gb|BI746672 6e−31 arenaria Meloidogyne rb02g12.y1 gb|BM882536 6e−30 incognita Meloidogyne rd16d07.y1 gb|BQ625515 3e−25 incognita Meloidogyne ra89g12.y1 gb|BM774133 1e−10 incognita Meloidogyne hapla rc37e10.y1 gb|BM902581 5e−19 Meloidogyne hapla rc54a09.y2 gb|BQ089876 4e−08 Meloidogyne rk82f08.y3 gb|BI745590 9e−18 javanica Necator americanus Na_L3_31A05_SA gb|BU666009 1e−21 Strongyloides ratti kt12a05.y2 gb|BG893620 2e−19 Strongyloides ratti kt12a06.y2 gb|BG893621 2e−19 Strongyloides ratti kt36a12.y1 gb|BI073867 2e−19 Strongyloides ratti kt32b02.y1 gb|BI073544 4e−19 Strongyloides ratti kt15d05.y1 gb|BG893793 5e−18 Strongyloides kq39d09.y1 gb|BE580288 3e−20 stercoralis Strongyloides kq19h11.y1 gb|BG226301 9e−18 stercoralis Trichuris muris Tm_ad_30H04_SKPL gb|BM174557 9e−21 Trichinella spiralis pt03g01.y1 gb|BQ692168 2e−08

C. elegans gene: T24H7.2 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687490394 gb|BM597171 8e−26 Bombyx mori AU003373 dbj|AU003373 8e−34 Bombyx mori AU000515 dbj|AU000515 4e−33 Bombyx mori AU000521 dbj|AU000521 1e−33 Bombyx mori AU003962 dbj|AU003962 9e−32 Bombyx mori AV405756 dbj|AV405756 5e−30 Bombyx mori AU003842 dbj|AU003842 6e−29 Bombyx mori AU003119 dbj|AU003119 2e−28 Bombyx mori AU002974 dbj|AU002974 9e−27 Bombyx mori AU004644 dbj|AU004644 9e−27 Bombyx mori AV406070 dbj|AV406070 1e−27 Bombyx mori AV401482 dbj|AV401482 2e−26 Bombyx mori AV398101 dbj|AV398101 2e−25 Bombyx mori AU003732 dbj|AU003732 6e−25 Bombyx mori AU004041 dbj|AU004041 2e−25 Bombyx mori AU005109 dbj|AU005109 1e−25 Bombyx mori AU000006 dbj|AU000006 7e−24 Bombyx mori AU004834 dbj|AU004834 2e−24 Bombyx mori AU002644 dbj|AU002644 2e−23 Bombyx mori AU002841 dbj|AU002841 2e−23 Bombyx mori AU004017 dbj|AU004017 2e−23 Bombyx mori AU004636 dbj|AU004636 1e−23 Bombyx mori AV404009 dbj|AV404009 1e−23 Helicoverpa armigera DH03D07 gb|BU038682 1e−28 Helicoverpa armigera DH03C12 gb|BU038678 3e−26 Meloidogyne incognita rd23c04.y1 gb|BQ548270 1e−30 Parastrongyloides kx97e04.y2 gb|BM513653 1e−40 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx91g06.y1 gb|BM513534 4e−40 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx97e04.y1 gb|BM514195 4e−40 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx91h03.y1 gb|BM513542 2e−39 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx94f07.y1 gb|BM514994 1e−37 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx88e07.y1 gb|BM513356 6e−37 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx94a01.y1 gb|BM514944 2e−28 trichosuri Strongyloides kp73b04.y1 gb|BE223128 3e−32 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: C23F12.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687479257 gb|BM596487 4e−28 Anopheles gambiae 17000687145608 gb|BM614899 1e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687373180 gb|BM651037 2e−12 Anopheles gambiae 17000687310164 gb|BM586066 3e−10 Meloidogyne hapla rc36h09.y1 gb|BM902526 2e−24 Meloidogyne MD0572 gb|BE238916 6e−17 incognita Meloidogyne hapla rc35f02.y1 gb|BM902409 1e−16 Onchocerca SWOvAFCAP28B08SK gb|AI539970 2e−38 volvulus Strongyloides kq38g03.y1 gb|BE580231 8e−35 stercoralis Strongyloides kq18a07.y1 gb|BG226155 4e−32 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: M03F4.7 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687321631 gb|BM587777 6e−30 Anopheles gambiae 17000687087727 gb|BM609137 1e−28 Ancylostoma pb41c07.y1 gb|BQ666411  e−111 caninum Ancylostoma pb46d07.y1 gb|BQ666710  e−110 caninum Ancylostoma pb55f03.y1 gb|BQ667584  e−108 caninum Ancylostoma pb44g02.y1 gb|BQ666619  e−107 caninum Ancylostoma pb56d04.y1 gb|BQ667626  e−107 caninum Ancylostoma pb40e01.y1 gb|BQ666362  e−104 caninum Ancylostoma pb41f01.y1 gb|BQ666431  e−104 caninum Ancylostoma pb07g02.y1 gb|BI744344 2e−99 caninum Ancylostoma pb61h06.y1 gb|BQ667467 3e−92 caninum Ancylostoma pb24a04.y1 gb|BM129955 7e−87 caninum Ancylostoma pb34e05.y1 gb|BQ125307 3e−83 caninum Ancylostoma pb27c03.y1 gb|BM130151 5e−80 caninum Ancylostoma pb36b05.y1 gb|BQ666117 3e−70 caninum Anopheles gambiae 4A3B-AAC-F-10-F emb|AJ283528 6e−37 Ascaris suum ki65c01.y1 gb|BM319475  e−103 Ascaris suum ki31h12.y1 gb|BM284247 3e−99 Ascaris suum ki05h11.y1 gb|BM280852 8e−93 Ascaris suum kk76f12.y1 gb|BU966016 1e−92 Ascaris suum kk07a07.y1 gb|BQ095577 2e−80 Ascaris suum ki29d01.y1 gb|BM284064 8e−67 Brugia malayi kb09b01.y1 gb|BM889340 1e−78 Brugia malayi kb21h09.y1 gb|BU781519 4e−78 Brugia malayi kb05d10.y1 gb|BM889092 2e−77 Brugia malayi kb08c11.y1 gb|BM889289 4e−76 Brugia malayi kb09a09.y1 gb|BM889336 4e−75 Brugia malayi kb35a07.y1 gb|BU917823 1e−72 Brugia malayi kb33g08.y1 gb|BU917746 4e−43 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU08A09SK gb|AW257642 2e−33 Haemonchus Hc_d11_05C04_SAC gb|BF059828 8e−56 contortus Haemonchus pw13a11.y1 gb|CA033609 1e−62 contortus Meloidogyne hapla rc40d09.y1 gb|BM900690 2e−83 Meloidogyne hapla rc29a06.y1 gb|BM901456 1e−74 Globodera pallida OP20499 gb|BM415425 1e−66 Onchocerca SWOvAMCAQ03E09SK gb|AI095964 6e−40 volvulus Ostertagia ostertagi ph54b09.y1 gb|BM896658 3e−79 Ostertagia ostertagi ph54b06.y1 gb|BM896656 4e−77 Ostertagia ostertagi ph50g05.y1 gb|BM896993 1e−66 Pristionchus rs17c06.y1 gb|AI986802 2e−52 pacificus Pristionchus rs36d12.y1 gb|AW052520 3e−48 pacificus Strongyloides ratti kt77b06.y2 gb|BI450741 2e−98 Strongyloides ratti kt25b12.y3 gb|BI450405 8e−83 Strongyloides ratti kt77b06.y1 gb|BI142485 1e−76 Strongyloides kp90f12.y1 gb|BG226555 1e−79 stercoralis Strongyloides kp93c08.y1 gb|BG226767 4e−85 stercoralis Strongyloides kq44d02.y1 gb|BE581256 5e−85 stercoralis Strongyloides kq32e11.y1 gb|BE579808 3e−58 stercoralis Toxocara canis ko07h06.y1 gb|BM966480 9e−90 Toxocara canis ko09d02.y1 gb|BM966578 8e−90 Toxocara canis ko29c01.y1 gb|BQ089597 7e−81

C. elegans gene: K04F10.4 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687506656 gb|BM633120 1e−24 Anopheles gambiae 17000687507484 gb|BM633599 6e−23 Ancylostoma caninum pb41a04.y1 gb|BQ666394 2e−24 Ancylostoma caninum pb45d03.y1 gb|BQ666654 2e−24 Ancylostoma caninum pb55h11.y1 gb|BQ667604 2e−24 Ancylostoma caninum pb57d02.y1 gb|BQ667675 4e−22 Ancylostoma caninum pb56c12.y1 gb|BQ667624 2e−21 Ancylostoma caninum pb06d11.y1 gb|BI744250 4e−20 Ancylostoma caninum pb06e07.y1 gb|BI744258 5e−20 Ancylostoma caninum pb62e01.y1 gb|BQ667504 1e−17 Ancylostoma caninum pb51a04.y1 gb|BQ667006 2e−15 Apis mellifera BB170002B20B06.5 gb|BI503119 5e−27 Globodera GE2051 gb|AW506559 8e−34 rostochiensis Haemonchus contortus pw14h05.y1 gb|CA033722 1e−95 Meloidogyne hapla rc48c03.y1 gb|BM901742 2e−20 Meloidogyne hapla rf27a01.y1 gb|BQ837484 1e−20 Meloidogyne hapla rc47e08.y1 gb|BM901678 2e−19 Meloidogyne hapla rf69b12.y1 gb|BU094482 7e−14 Meloidogyne incognita rb16a10.y1 gb|BM880593 9e−14 Meloidogyne incognita ra87a11.y1 gb|BM773890 1e−13 Necator americanus Na_L3_17G04_SAC gb|BU087198 4e−14 Ostertagia ostertagi ph25b11.y2 gb|BQ099039 5e−18 Ostertagia ostertagi ph25d06.y2 gb|BQ099057 3e−13 Parastrongyloides kx11d08.y3 gb|BI451155 2e−63 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx09d05.y3 gb|BI322885 2e−58 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx14f11.y3 gb|BI322659 9e−54 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx13e05.y3 gb|BI322554 8e−50 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx37f06.y1 gb|BI743006 3e−37 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx35g09.y1 gb|BI742844 4e−35 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx38c05.y1 gb|BI743068 2e−12 trichosuri Strongyloides ratti ku14a12.y1 gb|BQ091197 2e−18 Strongyloides kp21e05.y1 gb|BE028912 7e−24 stercoralis Strongyloides kp31f09.y1 gb|BE029399 4e−24 stercoralis Strongyloides kp25f12.y1 gb|BE029166 2e−22 stercoralis Strongyloides kp72e12.y1 gb|BG225849 1e−19 stercoralis Strongyloides kp41h12.y1 gb|BE030358 7e−16 stercoralis Strongyloides kp70g06.y1 gb|BG225690 7e−16 stercoralis Strongyloides kp68c10.y1 gb|BG225473 3e−15 stercoralis Strongyloides kp74h04.y1 gb|BE223285 2e−14 stercoralis Strongyloides kp40c03.y1 gb|BE030223 1e−13 stercoralis Strongyloides kp40g11.y1 gb|BE030270 2e−12 stercoralis Strongyloides kq43e03.y1 gb|BE581195 2e−73 stercoralis Strongyloides kq11c12.y1 gb|BG227598 5e−42 stercoralis Strongyloides kp96f07.y1 gb|BG227075 2e−41 stercoralis Strongyloides kq35e07.y1 gb|BE579996 3e−18 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis pt11b03.y1 gb|BQ693113 1e−51 Trichinella spiralis pt15a05.y1 gb|BQ692444 7e−27 Trichinella spiralis ps89g02.y1 gb|BQ541838 4e−19 Trichinella spiralis pt08f06.y1 gb|BQ692908 3e−18 Trichinella spiralis pt10c09.y1 gb|BQ693042 5e−18 Trichinella spiralis pt02e07.y1 gb|BQ692074 1e−15

C. elegans gene: F41C3.4 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687149117 gb|BM616703 2e−27 Anopheles gambiae 17000687069029 gb|BM602087 3e−22 Anopheles gambiae 17000687370128 gb|BM649918 5e−16 Anopheles gambiae 17000687307553 gb|BM585633 9e−16 Anopheles gambiae AL692646 emb|AL692646 7e−11 Ancylostoma caninum pj14f02.y1 gb|BM131161 3e−52 Brugia malayi MBAFCX8E03T3 gb|AA509202 2e−11 Haemonchus contortus pw09h01.y1 gb|CA034321 8e−46 Haemonchus contortus pw04h10.y1 gb|CA033875 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw06g03.y1 gb|CA034012 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw11c02.y1 gb|CA033489 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw11f07.y1 gb|CA033516 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw13f10.y1 gb|CA033653 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw16e06.y1 gb|CA033344 2e−45 Haemonchus contortus pw07e03.y1 gb|CA034184 3e−44 Haemonchus contortus pw11b07.y1 gb|CA033483 3e−43 Haemonchus contortus pw14c04.y1 gb|CA033687 9e−37 Haemonchus contortus pw11a08.y1 gb|CA033477 1e−22 Meloidogyne arenaria rm17b07.y1 gb|BI745692 1e−32 Strongyloides ratti kt15c03.y1 gb|BG893781 8e−20

C. elegans gene: F49C12.12 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687157397 gb|BM617424 5e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000659084146 gb|BM603802 7e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687163115 gb|BM576950 7e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687275479 gb|BM582159 7e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687478936 gb|BM623580 7e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687493042 gb|BM625373 7e−13 Ancylostoma caninum pb02e11.y1 gb|BF250630 1e−22 Ancylostoma caninum pa80g12.y1 gb|BG232750 1e−13 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj34c09.y1 gb|BQ274691 1e−34 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj26b10.y1 gb|BQ289124 1e−33 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj47a06.y1 gb|BQ275763 4e−33 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj53e04.y1 gb|BQ288100 6e−33 Ancylostoma ceylanicum pj55c11.y1 gb|BQ288222 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU004305 dbj|AU004305 9e−13 Bombyx mori AV404505 dbj|AV404505 1e−12 Globodera rostochiensis GE1768 gb|AW506351 2e−36 Heterodera glycines ro14f12.y1 gb|BF013515 2e−36 Manduca sexta EST1141 gb|BF047044 6e−12 Meloidogyne hapla rf52c12.y2 gb|BU094732 2e−30 Meloidogyne javanica rk98d03.y1 gb|BI745272 3e−12 Necator americanus Na_L3_52B05_SAC gb|BU089096 9e−37 Necator americanus Na_L3_13A10_SAC gb|BU086831 1e−36 Ostertagia ostertagi ph82h03.y1 gb|BQ457787 1e−05 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx83e06.y1 gb|BM513019 5e−30 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx83a12.y1 gb|BM512987 9e−19 Strongyloides stercoralis kp36g11.y1 gb|BE029934 1e−15 Trichinella spiralis ps85c06.y1 gb|BQ543136 4e−17 Trichinella spiralis ps01f05.y1 gb|BG232803 2e−14 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_31C04_SKPL gb|BM174586 2e−19

C. elegans gene: C01H6.5 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687115955 gb|BM611525 1e−18 Anopheles gambiae 17000687438370 gb|BM618330 2e−18 Ascaris suum ki20a12.y1 gb|BM281749 2e−39 Ascaris suum ki04c07.y1 gb|BM280724 3e−21 Ascaris suum kj40b03.y1 gb|BM568658 3e−21 Apis mellifera BB160005B10B06.5 gb|BI511357 1e−50 Apis mellifera BB160003A10G01.5 gb|BI510638 2e−23 Apis mellifera BB160016A20C12.5 gb|BI514819 1e−22 Apis mellifera BB160017A10C06.5 gb|BI514984 2e−18 Bombyx mori AU000440 dbj|AU000440 6e−27 Bombyx mori AV398791 dbj|AV398791 7e−19 Trichinella spiralis ps26g10.y1 gb|BG353339 3e−29

C. elegans gene: F57B9.2 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687476900 gb|BM622947 7e−41 Anopheles gambiae 4A3A-AAY-A-12-R emb|AJ282447 2e−25 Ancylostoma caninum pj60d02.y3 gb|BU780997 6e−53 Amblyomma variegatum EST577652 gb|BM291118 2e−51 Meloidogyne incognita rb13e12.y1 gb|BM881751 3e−36

C. elegans gene: C09G5.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Ascaris suum MBAsBWA298M13R gb|AW165858 1e−26 Ascaris suum ki01e01.y1 gb|BM280488 3e−26 Ascaris Al_am_43C11_T3 gb|BU586933 6e−25 lumbricoides Ascaris suum MBAsBWA064M13R gb|AW165746 6e−25 Ascaris suum MBAsBWA101M13R gb|AW165662 6e−25 Ascaris suum As_bw_11D06_M13R gb|BG733657 7e−25 Ascaris suum kh96f09.y1 gb|BM285267 5e−24 Ascaris suum kh93f02.y1 gb|BM285005 3e−23 Ascaris suum kh94c02.y1 gb|BM285056 3e−22 Ascaris suum kh98c07.y1 gb|BM284719 2e−21 Ascaris suum As_bw_11D11_M13R gb|BG733660 1e−21 Ascaris suum MBAsBWA069M13R gb|AW165751 6e−20 Ascaris suum MBAsBWA079M13R gb|AW165757 1e−20 Ascaris suum ki03c09.y1 gb|BM280644 1e−20 Ascaris suum ki10h03.y1 gb|BM281210 1e−20 Ascaris Al_am_36G05_T3 gb|BU586727 4e−19 lumbricoides Ascaris suum MBAsBWA115M13R gb|AW165673 3e−19 Ascaris Al_am_06E07_T3 gb|BU585487 2e−18 lumbricoides Ascaris suum MBAsBWA108M13R gb|AW165669 9e−18 Ascaris suum ki07g08.y1 gb|BM280986 9e−18 Ascaris suum As_nc_11A05_SKPL gb|BI594341 1e−17 Brugia malayi SWBmL3SDI01B01SK gb|AI066836 3e−22 Brugia malayi SWBmL3SBH08A07SK gb|AA933446 5e−21 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU13E10SK gb|AW675970 1e−21 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU07H07SK gb|AW225415 3e−18 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU08E01SK gb|AW257678 4e−18 Brugia malayi SWAMCAC16G06SK gb|AI083297 2e−18 Brugia malayi MBAFCX3C05T3 gb|AA471504 3e−18 Globodera pallida OP20201 gb|BM415129 1e−20 Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM47A04SK gb|BF482033 4e−19 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM54F12SK gb|BF942751 1e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvAFCAP48F12SK gb|BF114585 2e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM54B04SK gb|BF918253 5e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM49B01SK gb|BF599258 7e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM56A04SK gb|BG310491 7e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM55E02SK gb|BG310586 1e−17 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM58G11SK gb|BF718930 2e−17 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvL2CAS04B05SK gb|AW980134 3e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvL2CAS12F11SK gb|BE552486 2e−17 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvL3CAN29D10SK gb|AI511508 2e−17 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCA1795SK gb|AA618829 4e−18 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCA1241SK gb|AI111204 7e−18 volvulus Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_L4_01H05_SKPL gb|BG734092 1e−22 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_L4_02F08_SKPL gb|BG734148 2e−20 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_L4_02F06_SKPL gb|BG734146 1e−19 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_L4_02C04_SKPL gb|BG734117 8e−19 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_L4_03D09_SKPL gb|BG891779 1e−18 Strongyloides kq20e08.y1 gb|BG226349 7e−25 stercoralis Strongyloides kq60b02.y1 gb|BF015009 7e−25 stercoralis Strongyloides kp95e12.y1 gb|BG227018 1e−17 stercoralis Strongyloides kq38g09.y1 gb|BE580236 1e−17 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: F38A1.8 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000668812767 gb|BM631762 3e−17 Anopheles gambiae 17000687134447 gb|BM612513 2e−14 Anopheles gambiae 17000687443762 gb|BM593736 1e−12 Anopheles gambiae 17000687151121 gb|BM617129 5e−11 Anopheles gambiae 17000687509165 gb|BM634491 4e−10 Ancylostoma caninum pb34d04.y1 gb|BQ125296 6e−24 Anopheles gambiae 4A3A-AAY-A-03-F emb|AJ280813 6e−29 Amblyomma EST577711 gb|BM291177 6e−26 variegatum Amblyomma EST575079 gb|BM292537 1e−21 variegatum Apis mellifera BB160006B10D05.5 gb|BI511656 3e−25 Apis mellifera BB160008B20D07.5 gb|BI512333 6e−15 Bombyx mori AV400988 dbj|AV400988 1e−21 Meloidogyne javanica rk65c03.y1 gb|BG736990 9e−17 Parastrongyloides kx31d03.y1 gb|BI501368 6e−31 trichosuri Strongyloides kq13c10.y1 gb|BG227780 1e−24 stercoralis Zeldia punctata rp11b10.y1 gb|AW773519 4e−22

C. elegans gene: F54C9.2 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Amblyomma variegatum EST577517 gb|BM290983 7e−35 Amblyomma variegatum EST577724 gb|BM291190 2e−35 Bombyx mori AU002973 dbj|AU002973 9e−39 Bombyx mori AU003385 dbj|AU003385 7e−39 Bombyx mori AV405994 dbj|AV405994 3e−39 Bombyx mori AV401902 dbj|AV401902 7e−38 Bombyx mori AV398157 dbj|AV398157 9e−38 Bombyx mori AU000006 dbj|AU000006 2e−38 Bombyx mori AV401963 dbj|AV401963 2e−37 Bombyx mori AV402885 dbj|AV402885 7e−37 Bombyx mori AU004017 dbj|AU004017 8e−37 Bombyx mori AU006113 dbj|AU006113 4e−37 Bombyx mori AU000664 dbj|AU000664 5e−36 Bombyx mori AU003373 dbj|AU003373 1e−36 Bombyx mori AU003442 dbj|AU003442 5e−36 Bombyx mori AU003705 dbj|AU003705 2e−36 Bombyx mori AU003286 dbj|AU003286 6e−35 Bombyx mori AU004420 dbj|AU004420 6e−35 Bombyx mori AU004716 dbj|AU004716 7e−35 Bombyx mori AU006399 dbj|AU006399 5e−35 Bombyx mori AV404137 dbj|AV404137 7e−35 Bombyx mori AV405329 dbj|AV405329 3e−35 Bombyx mori AV401750 dbj|AV401750 2e−34 Bombyx mori AV398101 dbj|AV398101 5e−34 Bombyx mori AU000646 dbj|AU000646 2e−34 Bombyx mori AU003356 dbj|AU003356 2e−34 Bombyx mori AU003364 dbj|AU003364 2e−34 Bombyx mori AU003396 dbj|AU003396 3e−34 Bombyx mori AU003686 dbj|AU003686 6e−34 Bombyx mori AU003777 dbj|AU003777 1e−34 Bombyx mori AU004205 dbj|AU004205 5e−34 Bombyx mori AU004626 dbj|AU004626 2e−34 Bombyx mori AU004827 dbj|AU004827 8e−34 Bombyx mori AV404445 dbj|AV404445 3e−34 Bombyx mori AV405771 dbj|AV405771 8e−34 Bombyx mori AV405924 dbj|AV405924 2e−34 Bombyx mori AV406118 dbj|AV406118 4e−34 Bombyx mori AV398235 dbj|AV398235 2e−33 Bombyx mori AV398367 dbj|AV398367 2e−33 Bombyx mori AV398398 dbj|AV398398 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU000243 dbj|AU000243 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU002763 dbj|AU002763 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU003119 dbj|AU003119 1e−33 Bombyx mori AU003402 dbj|AU003402 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU003811 dbj|AU003811 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU004599 dbj|AU004599 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU004708 dbj|AU004708 1e−33 Bombyx mori AV404361 dbj|AV404361 2e−33 Bombyx mori AV406241 dbj|AV406241 3e−33 Pristionchus pacificus rs33h02.y1 gb|AW052295 1e−55 Strongyloides stercoralis kq09h07.y1 gb|BG226148 1e−44

C. elegans gene: F08C6.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Strongyloides stercoralis kq42f07.y1 gb|BE581131 2e−34

C. elegans gene: H04M03.4 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Brugia malayi SWAMCAC31A02SK gb|AI770981 2e−27 Brugia malayi SWAMCA827SK gb|AA007720 8e−21 Meloidogyne arenaria rm17b03.y1 gb|BI745690 1e−61 Meloidogyne hapla rc32c07.y1 gb|BM902109 2e−56 Meloidogyne hapla rc62e03.y1 gb|BQ090180 9e−31 Meloidogyne hapla rc51b07.y2 gb|BQ089651 9e−12 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA840SK gb|AA294602 5e−15 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA233SK gb|AA294264 2e−11 Strongyloides ratti kt23d09.y3 gb|BI397280 1e−61 Strongyloides ratti kt17d09.y1 gb|BG894044 1e−57 Strongyloides ratti kt09f02.y1 gb|BG894269 3e−35 Strongyloides ratti kt14e07.y1 gb|BG893462 3e−35 Strongyloides kq07b03.y1 gb|BG227443 2e−75 stercoralis Strongyloides kq36f05.y1 gb|BE580066 1e−55 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: Y48B6A.3 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Ostertagia ostertagi ph79d04.y1 gb|BQ457535 6e−52 Globodera rostochiensis rr63d03.y1 gb|BM345416 3e−13 Strongyloides ratti kt53e08.y3 gb|BI324097 6e−40

C. elegans gene: T27F2.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687243104 gb|BM580695   1e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687309019 gb|BM641931   1e−36 Apis mellifera BB160009A10E09.5 gb|BI512416   2e−38 Meloidogyne hapla rc43c01.y1 gb|BM900937   1e−33 Meloidogyne incognita rb13h02.y1 gb|BM881774   8e−22 Necator americanus Na_L3_16E01_SAC gb|BU087096 1.4e−22

C. elegans gene: T14F9.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687110468 gb|BM610289 4e−75 Anopheles gambiae 17000687367798 gb|BM648864 1e−62 Anopheles gambiae 17000687565365 gb|BM637983 2e−58 Anopheles gambiae 17000687324034 gb|BM647561 2e−57 Anopheles gambiae 17000687560412 gb|BM635758 2e−56 Anopheles gambiae 17000687163827 gb|BM577458 2e−55 Anopheles gambiae 17000687119262 gb|BM611925 2e−54 Anopheles gambiae 17000668915702 gb|BM596992 8e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687377484 gb|BM653132 2e−45 Anopheles gambiae 17000687164768 gb|BM578365 1e−42 Anopheles gambiae 17000687499422 gb|BM629010 5e−41 Anopheles gambiae 17000687368814 gb|BM649439 2e−39 Anopheles gambiae 17000687496339 gb|BM597467 3e−38 Anopheles gambiae 17000687243041 gb|BM580645 6e−38 Anopheles gambiae 17000687384459 gb|BM590932 6e−38 Ancylostoma caninum pb28e07.y1 gb|BM130242 4e−72 Ascaris suum As_nc_16B02_SKPL gb|BI594547 4e−67 Apis mellifera BB170001B10D01.5 gb|BI504920 2e−39 Bombyx mori AU003538 dbj|AU003538 3e−80 Bombyx mori AU002118 dbj|AU002118 1e−44 Bombyx mori AU006312 dbj|AU006312 5e−36 Globodera rostochiensis rr09e06.y1 gb|BM345905 2e−73 Heterodera glycines ro25h04.y1 gb|BF014612 2e−54 Heterodera glycines ro28a10.y1 gb|BF014776 7e−54 Meloidogyne javanica rk48d04.y1 gb|BG735889 5e−65 Globodera pallida OP20152 gb|BM415082 2e−60 Necator americanus Na_L3_10D12_SAC gb|BU086612 5e−65 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx75e08.y1 gb|BM513291 5e−69 Strongyloides stercoralis kq20f07.y1 gb|BG226359 5e−70 Strongyloides stercoralis kq22d06.y1 gb|BE579107 2e−56

C. elegans gene: C34G6.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Ascaris suum kh44c05.y1 gb|BI782938 9e−52 Brugia malayi MBAFCX2B06T3 gb|AA471404 2e−68 Brugia malayi SWAMCAC32C03SK gb|AI795199 4e−63 Haemonchus Hc_d11_10F03_SKPL gb|BF060055 4e−18 contortus Meloidogyne rk89c03.y1 gb|BI744615 4e−44 javanica Meloidogyne rm18b11.y1 gb|BI745765 4e−10 arenaria Pristionchus rs76h10.y1 gb|BI500192 2e−69 pacificus Strongyloides ratti kt36b11.y1 gb|BI073876 1e−41 Strongyloides ratti kt37a09.y1 gb|BI073944 2e−41 Strongyloides ratti kt70c11.y1 gb|BI323373 1e−36 Strongyloides ratti kt62e08.y1 gb|BI323179 2e−36 Strongyloides kq30c01.y1 gb|BE579677 2e−53 stercoralis Strongyloides kq41b02.y1 gb|BE580410 1e−47 stercoralis Strongyloides kq33h12.y1 gb|BE579888 4e−22 stercoralis Strongyloides kq63d06.y1 gb|BF015363 7e−20 stercoralis Strongyloides kq05d11.y1 gb|BG227329 3e−11 stercoralis Trichuris muris Tm_ad_12H10_SKPL gb|BG577864 4e−12

C. elegans gene: T01H3.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687162874 gb|BM576761 2e−49 Anopheles gambiae 17000687307464 gb|BM585573 2e−49 Anopheles gambiae 17000659020522 gb|BM599204 1e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687372976 gb|BM589399 1e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687556220 gb|BM634907 1e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687310364 gb|BM642665 5e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687389290 gb|BM656815 5e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687496331 gb|BM597462 2e−47 Anopheles gambiae 17000687284475 gb|BM640730 2e−46 Anopheles gambiae 17000659202014 gb|BM618205 5e−45 Anopheles gambiae 17000687151325 gb|BM617284 3e−44 Anopheles gambiae 17000687308708 gb|BM641772 6e−44 Anopheles gambiae 17000687276191 gb|BM582703 3e−43 Anopheles gambiae 17000687042988 gb|BM599367 2e−42 Anopheles gambiae 17000687118079 gb|BM611782 2e−42 Anopheles gambiae 17000687108061 gb|BM609935 2e−40 Anopheles gambiae 17000687130255 gb|BM612274 4e−39 Anopheles gambiae 17000687322687 gb|BM646650 6e−39 Anopheles gambiae 17000687569900 gb|BM639302 4e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687383534 gb|BM654480 7e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687566347 gb|BM638292 7e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687145897 gb|BM615037 6e−36 Anopheles gambiae 17000687437980 gb|BM618257 2e−33 Anopheles gambiae 17000687498198 gb|BM628172 6e−30 Anopheles gambiae 17000687147324 gb|BM615629 3e−26 Amblyomma variegatum EST574690 gb|BM292148 3e−49 Apis mellifera BB170024A10E06.5 gb|BI509938 7e−48 Apis mellifera BB160011B10C08.5 gb|BI513199 2e−33 Bombyx mori AU005205 dbj|AU005205 2e−33 Globodera rostochiensis GE1711 gb|AW506310 4e−67 Haemonchus contortus Hc_ad_15H10_SKPL gb|BM39010 2e−76 Ancylostoma caninum pa18g12.y1 gb|AW627173 8e−25 Heterodera glycines ro10e01.y1 gb|BF013645 4e−46 Heterodera glycines ro84c04.y1 gb|BI748962 1e−20 Zeldia punctata rp06a10.y1 gb|AW773378 3e−60 Zeldia punctata rp01e11.y1 gb|AW783702 3e−52 Manduca sexta EST968 gb|BF046871 2e−35 Meloidogyne javanica rk60d11.y1 gb|BG736647 3e−39 Meloidogyne javanica rk74g05.y1 gb|BI142836 1e−39 Necator americanus Na_L3_37A02_SAC gb|BU666330 8e−33 Strongyloides ratti kt49e06.y4 gb|BI502419 6e−38 Strongyloides stercoralis kq25f06.y1 gb|BE579307 3e−29 Trichinella spiralis ps31h12.y2 gb|BG438616 1e−50 Trichinella spiralis pt25f08.y1 gb|BQ737954 1e−50

C. elegans gene: F38H4.9 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687077251 gb|BM605757 e−110 Anopheles gambiae 17000687112957 gb|BM610732 2e−99 Anopheles gambiae 17000687498699 gb|BM628538 3e−98 Anopheles gambiae 17000687491478 gb|BM624539 1e−95 Anopheles gambiae 17000687162264 gb|BM576307 2e−93 Anopheles gambiae 17000687237697 gb|BM579205 9e−91 Anopheles gambiae 17000687494575 gb|BM626183 1e−90 Anopheles gambiae 17000687373656 gb|BM651182 3e−87 Anopheles gambiae 17000687387542 gb|BM656160 3e−87 Anopheles gambiae 17000687439479 gb|BM618770 3e−87 Anopheles gambiae 17000687138537 gb|BM613259 9e−83 Anopheles gambiae 17000687386006 gb|BM591368 2e−77 Anopheles gambiae 17000687075820 gb|BM605128 3e−77 Anopheles gambiae 17000687444639 gb|BM594603 2e−75 Anopheles gambiae 17000687311718 gb|BM643158 9e−75 Ascaris suum kh42g04.y1 gb|BI782814 8e−89 Ascaris suum ki30c03.y1 gb|BM284127 9e−80 Ascaris suum kj60c12.y1 gb|BM569375 3e−55 Amblyomma variegatum EST576450 gb|BM289916 2e−74 Apis mellifera BB170030B20B04.5 gb|BI507201 7e−80 Bombyx mori AU000600 dbj|AU000600 3e−91 Bombyx mori AU000644 dbj|AU000644 3e−91 Meloidogyne javanica rk93b04.y1 gb|BI744849 4e−79 Necator americanus Na_L3_35H12_SAC gb|BU666328 e−118 Necator americanus Na_L3_16C05_SAC gb|BU087079 1e−99 Necator americanus Na_L3_17H12_SAC gb|BU087214 1e−37 Necator americanus Na_L3_51B04_SAC gb|BU089013 5e−20 Ostertagia ostertagi ph05a12.y2 gb|BQ097609 e−104 Ostertagia ostertagi ph08g10.y2 gb|BQ097814 2e−99 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx48h12.y1 gb|BI863834 2e−69

C. elegans gene: K09H9.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687438560 gb|BM592590 1e−26 Anopheles gambiae 17000687439428 gb|BM618729 1e−25 Brugia malayi SWAMCAC19C09SK gb|AI083314 8e−27 Sarcoptes scabiei ESSU0232 gb|BG817810 4e−27 Strongyloides kp98c02.y1 gb|BG227182 2e−28 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis ps51c09.y1 gb|BG520770 4e−21

C. elegans gene: F54A5.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx21a02.y1 gb|BI451197 4e−40

C. elegans gene: F33A8.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Bombyx mori AV405747 dbj|AV405747 6e−58 Meloidogyne MD0049 gb|BE191668 3e−36 incognita

C. elegans gene: ZK686.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687101940 gb|BM609414 1e−46 Anopheles gambiae 17000687160079 gb|BM617864 3e−44 Anopheles gambiae 17000687499984 gb|BM629333 7e−40 Anopheles gambiae 17000687320084 gb|BM586921 6e−39 Anopheles gambiae 17000687564993 gb|BM637706 2e−38 Anopheles gambiae 17000687385741 gb|BM655170 1e−37 Anopheles gambiae 17000687441179 gb|BM593025 1e−35 Anopheles gambiae 17000687087920 gb|BM609287 2e−32 Anopheles gambiae 17000687113255 gb|BM610801 1e−29 Anopheles gambiae 17000668938573 gb|BM636391 9e−21 Anopheles gambiae 4A3A-AAO-F-10-R emb|AJ282089 5e−25 Anopheles gambiae 4A3A-ABC-G-08-R emb|AJ282843 2e−19 Apis mellifera EST242 gb|BE844497 1e−25 Apis mellifera EST241 gb|BE844496 2e−10 Amblyomma EST575352 gb|BM292810 7e−52 variegatum Amblyomma EST574536 gb|BM291994 3e−51 variegatum Apis mellifera BB160010B10H06.5 gb|BI512874 1e−34 Bombyx mori AU004344 dbj|AU004344 1e−52 Brugia malayi MBAFCW6H10T3 gb|AA842318 8e−22 Brugia malayi SWMFCA462SK gb|AA022342 1e−21 Globodera pallida pal201 gb|AW505639 1e−32 Haemonchus Hc_d11_21A04_SKPL gb|BF423018 9e−74 contortus Haemonchus Hc_d11_13F09_SKPL gb|BF060296 4e−36 contortus Caenorhabditis pk41g11.s1 gb|R05170 8e−33 briggsae Necator americanus Na_L3_04C08_SAC gb|BG467473 6e−22 Pristionchus rs40g12.y1 gb|AW097184 9e−71 pacificus Pristionchus rs30c07.y1 gb|AI989236 4e−29 pacificus Strongyloides kq49c03.y1 gb|BE581316 2e−48 stercoralis Strongyloides kq08h12.y1 gb|BG226083 3e−47 stercoralis Strongyloides kq23b07.y1 gb|BE579155 4e−27 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: F09B12.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM23F06SK gb|AI665735 4e−10 volvulus Strongyloides kq19a02.y1 gb|BG226227 1e−23 stercoralis Strongyloides kq43f01.y1 gb|BE581202 1e−13 stercoralis Trichuris muris Tm_ad_03C11_SKPL gb|BF169279 5e−11

C. elegans gene: K07D8.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687507565 gb|BM633656 3e−15 Brugia malayi BSBmL3SZ15A23SK gb|AI783143 1e−66 Meloidogyne MD0517 gb|BE238861 8e−38 incognita Strongyloides ratti kt27g02.y3 gb|BI450575 3e−38 Strongyloides ratti kt88d03.y1 gb|BI502339 6e−33 Strongyloides kp75c05.y1 gb|BE223322 2e−23 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: ZK1073.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687445431 gb|BM620760 3e−29 Anopheles gambiae 17000687311462 gb|BM642979 3e−27 Anopheles gambiae 17000687069233 gb|BM602173 8e−27 Anopheles gambiae 17000687085881 gb|BM608010 8e−17 Anopheles gambiae 17000687277442 gb|BM583063 2e−15 Anopheles gambiae 17000668639510 gb|BM629367 1e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000687379911 gb|BM654068 2e−13 Amblyomma variegatum EST577485 gb|BM290951 9e−23 Amblyomma variegatum EST575426 gb|BM292884 8e−19 Amblyomma variegatum EST576458 gb|BM289924 2e−19 Amblyomma variegatum EST574248 gb|BM291706 2e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST574565 gb|BM292023 2e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST575109 gb|BM292567 2e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST575360 gb|BM292818 1e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST575673 gb|BM293144 2e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST576512 gb|BM289978 5e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST576929 gb|BM290395 4e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST577334 gb|BM290800 2e−18 Amblyomma variegatum EST576568 gb|BM290034 2e−17 Amblyomma variegatum EST576853 gb|BM290319 9e−15 Bombyx mori AV400999 dbj|AV400999 1e−20 Bombyx mori AV400998 dbj|AV400998 4e−15 Globodera rostochiensis rr26f04.y1 gb|BM355559 1e−50 Globodera rostochiensis rr08g01.y1 gb|BM345835 3e−35 Ancylostoma caninum pa49f11.y1 gb|AW735249 6e−46 Heterodera glycines ro77a08.y1 gb|BI749346 4e−37 Heterodera glycines ro60f02.y3 gb|BI396703 4e−26 Heterodera glycines ro76c03.y1 gb|BI749286 2e−25 Heterodera glycines ro57a04.y4 gb|BI451623 6e−16 Heterodera glycines ro75g12.y1 gb|BI749253 1e−16 Meloidogyne incognita rd12e01.y1 gb|BQ548499 7e−73 Meloidogyne arenaria rm15c02.y1 gb|BI863000 3e−15 Ostertagia ostertagi ph39b03.y1 gb|BM897271 9e−34 Parastrongyloides kx43h07.y1 gb|BI743414 1e−31 trichosuri Pristionchus pacificus rs88f09.y1 gb|BM320361 9e−92 Pristionchus pacificus rt04c04.y2 gb|BM566361 1e−23 Strongyloides ratti kt66c09.y1 gb|BI323694 2e−57 Strongyloides stercoralis kp87b07.y1 gb|BE223687 1e−36 Strongyloides stercoralis kq04g11.y1 gb|BG227286 8e−59 Trichinella spiralis pt34f08.y1 gb|BQ693400 3e−52 Trichinella spiralis pt41e05.y1 gb|BQ739201 4e−42 Trichinella spiralis ps06g08.y1 gb|BG302307 3e−34

C. elegans gene: CD4.4 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Bombyx mori AU003753 dbj|AU003753 2e−06 Pratylenchus penetrans pz11e06.y1 gb|BQ626542 2e−19 Pratylenchus penetrans pz21d10.y1 gb|BQ580851 2e−19 Pratylenchus penetrans pz28a06.y1 gb|BQ626857 1e−06 Pristionchus pacificus rs39f03.y1 gb|AW097092 8e−24 Pristionchus pacificus rs53g02.y1 gb|AW114710 5e−18 Pristionchus pacificus rs37f03.y1 gb|AW052618 2e−14 Trichinella spiralis ps05d02.y2 gb|BG519941 6e−11 Trichinella spiralis ps05d02.y3 gb|BG521059 3e−11

C. elegans gene: F11C1.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687115955 gb|BM611525 3e−41 Ascaris suum ki04c07.y1 gb|BM280724 6e−20 Ascaris suum kj40b03.y1 gb|BM568658 6e−20 Ascaris suum ki20a12.y1 gb|BM281749 5e−18 Ascaris suum kk53a06.y1 gb|BQ382607 4e−18 Ascaris suum kh20b07.y1 gb|BI783431 1e−17 Ascaris suum kk28e12.y1 gb|BQ381181 1e−17 Ascaris suum kk34c05.y1 gb|BQ381563 1e−17 Ascaris suum kk36a10.y1 gb|BQ382856 1e−17 Ascaris suum kk40g10.y1 gb|BQ383122 1e−17 Ascaris suum kk58c01.y1 gb|BQ383209 1e−17 Apis mellifera BB160003A10G01.5 gb|BI510638 4e−22 Apis mellifera BB160005B10B06.5 gb|BI511357 7e−19 Apis mellifera BB160017A10C06.5 gb|BI514984 4e−18 Apis mellifera BB160016A20C12.5 gb|BI514819 1e−17 Bombyx mori AU000440 dbj|AU000440 3e−17 Globodera rr19d05.y1 gb|BM354985 2e−17 rostochiensis Strongyloides kq42c09.y1 gb|BE581104 1e−27 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: F16B4.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Pristionchus rs06b03.r1 gb|AA191781 2e−13 pacificus

C. elegans gene: Y38F2AL.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687310422 gb|BM642705 2e−46 Anopheles gambiae 17000687111489 gb|BM610534 1e−41 Anopheles gambiae 17000687374739 gb|BM651831 2e−36 Anopheles gambiae 17000687444802 gb|BM594743 2e−35 Anopheles gambiae 17000687564429 gb|BM637448 1e−29 Bombyx mori AU005959 dbj|AU005959 6e−64 Brugia malayi BSBmMFSZ08G14SK gb|AI007333 2e−79 Globodera rr24f03.y1 gb|BM355406 1e−69 rostochiensis Caenorhabditis pk05f06.s1 gb|R03292 2e−32 briggsae Meloidogyne arenaria rm27a09.y1 gb|BI746435 2e−80 Parastrongyloides kx20h12.y3 gb|BI322419 3e−44 trichosuri Pristionchus pacificus rs80f06.y1 gb|BI500714 1e−82 Strongyloides ratti kt66a07.y1 gb|BI323674 5e−47 Strongyloides ratti kt46f02.y3 gb|BI323910 7e−39 Strongyloides kq10b05.y1 gb|BG227519 1e−69 stercoralis Strongyloides kq50d07.y1 gb|BE581674 8e−64 stercoralis Strongyloides kq41h12.y1 gb|BE580542 4e−42 stercoralis Strongyloides kp45f12.y1 gb|BG224376 2e−29 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis pt40c10.y1 gb|BQ739097 2e−65 Trichinella spiralis ps03d04.y3 gb|BG520983 1e−49 Trichinella spiralis pt07a03.y1 gb|BQ692776 2e−45 Trichinella spiralis ps03d04.y1 gb|BG302151 5e−37 Trichinella spiralis ps12g06.y1 gb|BG322017 2e−35

C. elegans gene: W09B6.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687083533 gb|BM606557 2e−48 Anopheles gambiae 17000687439275 gb|BM618618 2e−46 Anopheles gambiae 17000687321659 gb|BM587799 2e−43 Anopheles gambiae 17000687086088 gb|BM608168 5e−42 Anopheles gambiae 17000687315677 gb|BM645103 2e−38 Anopheles gambiae 17000687236701 gb|BM579048 3e−33 Anopheles gambiae 17000659179265 gb|BM610911 5e−30 Ancylostoma caninum pb31a01.y1 gb|BQ125044 2e−61 Ascaris suum kh05g07.y1 gb|BI782124 2e−47 Ascaris suum kh06f09.y1 gb|BI782194 4e−47 Ascaris suum kk05h08.y1 gb|BQ095491 4e−43 Ascaris suum kh01h12.y1 gb|BI781835 7e−42 Necator americanus Na_L3_34C04_SAC gb|BU666204 2.e−15  Strongyloides ratti ku15c12.y1 gb|BQ091288 7e−29 Strongyloides kq36e08.y1 gb|BE580061 8e−43 stercoralis Strongyloides kq60a06.y1 gb|BF015002 4e−38 stercoralis Strongyloides kq52b10.y1 gb|BE581778 9e−31 stercoralis Toxocara canis ko08f10.y1 gb|BM966530 1e−37 Toxocara canis ko24c07.y1 gb|BQ089283 1e−37

C. elegans gene: T19B10.2 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Brugia malayi SW3D9CA428SK gb|AA585672 1e−63 Haemonchus Hc_d11_28B01_SKPL gb|BF423321 6e−55 contortus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM47D12SK gb|BF482074 2e−48 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvAFCAP42G02SK gb|AW600024 8e−57 volvulus Onchocerca SWOvAFCAP37H10SK gb|AW562321 2e−50 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM04C01SK gb|AI053004 3e−40 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM33B12SK gb|AW288189 5e−24 volvulus Pristionchus rs17d11.y1 gb|AI986817 2e−61 pacificus Strongyloides ratti kt46c03.y3 gb|BI323886 2e−57 Strongyloides ratti kt76d02.y3 gb|BI502537 2e−57 Strongyloides ratti kt15h05.y1 gb|BG893826 3e−49 Strongyloides ratti kt64a08.y1 gb|BI323577 9e−12 Strongyloides kq07e10.y1 gb|BG227479 3e−67 stercoralis Strongyloides kp97f11.y1 gb|BG227146 1e−59 stercoralis Strongyloides kq43c11.y1 gb|BE581183 1e−57 stercoralis Strongyloides kq51c07.y1 gb|BE581720 1e−36 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis ps16e05.y2 gb|BG520446 2e−12

C. elegans gene: F40G9.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Ancylostoma pk22g03.x1 gb|CA341524 3e−37 caninum Ascaris suum As_nc_09H02_SKPL gb|BI594288 8e−29 Apis mellifera BB160019B20G12.5 gb|BI515617 3e−10 Necator Na_L3_03F10_SAC gb|BG467849 3e−13 americanus

C. elegans gene: M88.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000659338584 gb|BM622660 1e−16 Anopheles gambiae 17000687147208 gb|BM615535 5e−16 Anopheles gambiae 17000687312380 gb|BM643448 3e−14 Anopheles gambiae 17000687503711 gb|BM632047 2e−12 Anopheles gambiae 17000687317758 gb|BM646000 1e−11 Anopheles gambiae 17000687566305 gb|BM638257 1e−11 Anopheles gambiae 17000687507490 gb|BM633604 1e−10 Anopheles gambiae 17000687446031 gb|BM621183 2e−10 Anopheles gambiae 17000687490365 gb|BM597156 3e−10 Anopheles gambiae 17000687556043 gb|BM634822 7e−10 Anopheles gambiae 17000687507788 gb|BM633679 9e−10 Apis mellifera BB170030A10B11.5 gb|BI505904 2e−12 Apis mellifera BB170016A20D05.5 gb|BI510550 5e−08 Bombyx mori AV403012 dbj|AV403012 4e−11 Bombyx mori AV400933 dbj|AV400933 3e−10 Meloidogyne arenaria rm24h02.y1 gb|BI746256 3e−15 Meloidogyne javanica rk43d08.y1 gb|BG735742 5e−14 Meloidogyne javanica rk97f05.y1 gb|BI745212 2e−12

C. elegans gene: CD4.6 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687371664 gb|BM650501 6e−67 Anopheles gambiae 17000687322329 gb|BM588180 3e−62 Anopheles gambiae 17000687071573 gb|BM602678 3e−60 Anopheles gambiae 17000687068376 gb|BM601670 7e−60 Anopheles gambiae 17000687313631 gb|BM644198 2e−56 Anopheles gambiae 17000687439860 gb|BM619034 2e−56 Anopheles gambiae 17000687277359 gb|BM583000 2e−55 Anopheles gambiae 17000687619748 gb|BM598398 5e−47 Artemia franciscana ar10-065 gb|BQ605277 1e−63 Amblyomma EST576373 gb|BM289839 2e−69 variegatum Bombyx mori AV398746 dbj|AV398746 1e−61 Globodera rr26d03.y1 gb|BM355545 2e−67 rostochiensis Heterodera glycines ro21g02.y1 gb|BF014394 2e−68 Meloidogyne javanica rk14h04.y1 gb|BE578613 4e−61 Meloidogyne arenaria rm38a11.y1 gb|BI747271 8e−53 Meloidogyne hapla rc34d01.y1 gb|BM902290 6e−51 Meloidogyne javanica rk70b10.y1 gb|BI143067 1e−45 Globodera pallida OP20486 gb|BM415412 3e−72 Pristionchus pacificus rs39e05.y1 gb|AW097083 2e−76 Strongyloides ratti kt29h05.y1 gb|BI073353 6e−69 Trichinella spiralis pt02c08.y1 gb|BQ692053 3e−63 Trichinella spiralis ps98a12.y1 gb|BQ542423 2e−47

C. elegans gene: F52B11.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Brugia malayi MBAFCW3E10T3 gb|AA661399 4e−48 Meloidogyne hapla rc57a01.y1 gb|BM952243 9e−71 Meloidogyne hapla rc58e09.y1 gb|BQ090007 4e−56 Meloidogyne hapla rc26c02.y1 gb|BM901200 4e−06 Meloidogyne arenaria rm36a05.y1 gb|BI747105 7e−06 Meloidogyne arenaria rm03h03.y1 gb|BI501693 7e−06 Strongyloides ratti kt15h10.y1 gb|BG893830 7e−80 Strongyloides stercoralis kq38b02.y1 gb|BE580180 1e−73 Strongyloides stercoralis kq61e08.y1 gb|BF015258 2e−72 Strongyloides stercoralis kq24d08.y1 gb|BE579237 1e−53 Strongyloides stercoralis kq42f04.y1 gb|BE581128 1e−43 Strongyloides stercoralis kp96c07.y1 gb|BG227056 8e−37

C. elegans gene: F41H10.7 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687316343 gb|BM645334 5e−20 Ancylostoma caninum pb13c07.y1 gb|BM077653 2e−40 Ancylostoma caninum pj06b02.y1 gb|BM130528 2e−40 Ancylostoma caninum pj13h01.y1 gb|BM131118 5e−40 Ancylostoma caninum pj01g12.y1 gb|BI704649 3e−34 Ancylostoma caninum pj05b02.y1 gb|BM130446 4e−25 Ascaris suum kk23a03.y2 gb|BQ381206 1e−48 Ascaris suum kk23a11.y2 gb|BQ381214 6e−47 Ascaris suum kj50f05.y1 gb|BM515548 7e−35 Ascaris suum As_adfo_05B04_T3 gb|CA303612 7e−35 Ascaris suum ki05a11.y1 gb|BM280791 4e−34 Ascaris suum kj52c04.y1 gb|BM515678 3e−34 Ascaris suum As_adfg_09B10_T3 gb|BU605554 1e−34 Ascaris suum ki44g05.y1 gb|BM283072 2e−33 Ascaris suum kj49f11.y1 gb|BM515471 4e−33 Ascaris suum kj96b03.y1 gb|BQ095112 4e−33 Ascaris suum kj96c04.y1 gb|BQ095124 1e−33 Ascaris suum As_adfo_07A06_T3 gb|CA303746 1e−32 Ascaris suum kh96b06.y1 gb|BM285220 2e−30 Ascaris suum ki71h03.y1 gb|BM319371 2e−15 Brugia malayi SWMFCA2329SK gb|AA545829 9e−40 Brugia malayi SWBmL3SBH11E05SK gb|AI079048 3e−28 Brugia malayi SWMFCA2496SK gb|AA563533 3e−26 Globodera rostochiensis rr17f12.y1 gb|BM354846 2e−53 Haemonchus contortus pw07g07.y1 gb|CA034206 2e−34 Haemonchus contortus pw07g09.y1 gb|CA034208 2e−34 Haemonchus contortus pw14b10.y1 gb|CA033681 2e−33 Haemonchus contortus pw10e09.y1 gb|CA034357 1e−29 Meloidogyne javanica rk65e12.y1 gb|BG737014 5e−29 Meloidogyne javanica rk98g01.y1 gb|BI745300 1e−28 Meloidogyne javanica rk74d11.y1 gb|BI142820 1e−22 Meloidogyne hapla rf67e06.y1 gb|BU094358 6e−20 Meloidogyne hapla rc35e08.y1 gb|BM902404 2e−12 Meloidogyne hapla rf86e02.y2 gb|BU095464 2e−12 Meloidogyne incognita rb10d11.y1 gb|BM881480 6e−10 Globodera pallida OP20484 gb|BM415410 2e−28 Necator americanus Na_L3_24H05_SAC gb|BU087819 2e−14 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM49H12SK gb|BF599190 2e−61 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL3CAN71H05SK gb|BF154352 8e−25 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP15C07SK gb|AI308680 2e−49 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP27H07SK gb|AI539947 1e−22 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM36B09SK gb|AW308544 9e−17 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA1157SK gb|AI045995 6e−38 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx61d04.y1 gb|BM356240 6e−20 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx68g05.y1 gb|BM346265 1e−19 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx77d07.y1 gb|BM512626 1e−19 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx81e05.y1 gb|BM512881 1e−19 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx98d10.y2 gb|BM513719 1e−16 Parastrongyloides trichosuri ky01b10.y1 gb|BM514338 1e−16 Parastrongyloides trichosuri ky01b10.y3 gb|BQ274049 1e−16 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx76b10.y1 gb|BM812691 7e−11 Pristionchus pacificus rs36h03.y1 gb|AW052554 3e−30 Pristionchus pacificus rs32b04.y1 gb|AW114333 2e−27 Pristionchus pacificus rs08h02.r1 gb|AA191857 5e−16 Strongyloides ratti kt24a11.y3 gb|BI397325 7e−11

C. elegans gene: ZK783.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687050491 gb|BM599848 7e−17 Anopheles gambiae 17000687313297 gb|BM643943 1e−16 Apis mellifera BB170008A10D11.5 gb|BI507755 2e−17 Bombyx mori AV403913 dbj|AV403913 1e−18 Bombyx mori AV405815 dbj|AV405815 9e−17

C. elegans gene: W10G6.3 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Ascaris suum ki02g09.y1 gb|BM280603 1e−84 Ascaris suum kh29h03.y1 gb|BI784031 3e−74 Ascaris suum kj92f03.y1 gb|BM965152 1e−72 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_44B09_T3 gb|BU586964 3e−67 Ascaris suum ki08f11.y1 gb|BM281039 1e−65 Ascaris suum kh97g02.y1 gb|BM284670 5e−63 Ascaris suum kh67d02.y1 gb|BM033773 1e−62 Ascaris suum kk52b05.y1 gb|BQ382546 9e−62 Ascaris suum As_L3_09B01_SKPL gb|BI594018 3e−61 Ascaris suum kh07f03.y1 gb|BI782261 6e−60 Ascaris suum kk55f09.y1 gb|BQ382765 2e−60 Ascaris suum As_nc_20E04_SKPL gb|BI594703 7e−56 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_39H04_T3 gb|BU586869 6e−48 Ascaris suum kh23d05.y1 gb|BI784404 1e−47 Ascaris suum As_nc_10C07_SKPL gb|BI594311 8e−47 Ascaris suum As_adfo_18A08_T3 gb|CA304479 7e−46 Ascaris suum MBAsBWA018M13R gb|AW165649 1e−44 Ascaris suum kj97h10.y1 gb|BQ095255 2e−44 Ascaris suum kj91c09.y1 gb|BM965046 2e−42 Ascaris suum As_nc_07A04_SKPL gb|BI594184 6e−39 Ascaris suum kj10g11.y1 gb|BM567150 4e−37 Ascaris suum As_nc_17F06_SKPL gb|BI594620 3e−37 Ascaris suum ki07a10.y1 gb|BM280930 4e−34 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_19E10_T3 gb|BU585851 2e−29 Ascaris suum kj16d10.y1 gb|BM567546 1e−29 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU14E02SK gb|AW675831 2e−75 Brugia malayi SWMFCA1385SK gb|AA231989 8e−50 Brugia malayi MB3D6V8E10T3 gb|AA841889 1e−49 Brugia malayi SWYACAL08E03SK gb|BE758356 6e−45 Brugia malayi SW3ICA2430SK gb|AA255390 3e−42 Brugia malayi MB3D6V8A06T3 gb|AA841843 1e−35 Brugia malayi KJBmL3SZ4B22SK gb|AI944353 2e−30 Brugia malayi RRAMCA1524SK gb|AA430804 2e−29 Dirofilaria immitis ke22g11.y1 gb|BQ455787 1e−35 Globodera rostochiensis rr58b08.y1 gb|BM344699 3e−78 Globodera rostochiensis rr65c04.y1 gb|BM345560 5e−75 Globodera rostochiensis rr30c09.y1 gb|BM355843 2e−59 Globodera rostochiensis rr30a02.y1 gb|BM355821 3e−52 Haemonchus contortus Hc_d11_11E10_SKPL gb|BF060126 5e−57 Haemonchus contortus Hc_d11_18E03_SKPL gb|BF422872 1e−56 Litomosoides sigmodontis JALsL3C179SAC gb|AW152844 1e−74 Meloidogyne incognita rd08a12.y1 gb|BQ613497 1e−68 Meloidogyne incognita rd19e10.y1 gb|BQ613722 1e−68 Meloidogyne hapla rc49c01.y1 gb|BM901834 6e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rc26d08.y1 gb|BM901218 9e−65 Meloidogyne hapla rc37g03.y1 gb|BM902598 6e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rd02c03.y1 gb|BQ613170 3e−64 Meloidogyne hapla rc42h03.y1 gb|BM900907 3e−62 Meloidogyne hapla rf48d08.y1 gb|BQ836630 4e−62 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47f07.y1 gb|BI747934 8e−53 Meloidogyne arenaria rm28c11.y1 gb|BI746528 1e−48 Meloidogyne javanica rk75h03.y1 gb|BI142900 3e−44 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP49B12SK gb|BF199444 2e−62 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM52D01SK gb|BF824665 1e−58 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM51A02SK gb|BF727562 4e−58 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL2CAS06B03SK gb|AW980259 3e−77 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP02E12SK gb|AI077021 7e−73 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM26G09SK gb|AI670483 5e−59 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL2CAS03E05SK gb|AI444905 9e−50 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM07B07SK gb|AI317899 7e−46 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCB315SK gb|AI815264 2e−82 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvL3CAN13E07 gb|AA917260 2e−51 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA822SK gb|AA294585 2e−51 Ostertagia ostertagi ph53g02.y1 gb|BM896621 6e−77 Ostertagia ostertagi ph69a09.y1 gb|BQ099825 3e−43 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx18a11.y3 gb|BI322222 1e−43 Strongyloides ratti kt51c06.y4 gb|BI742464 8e−50 Strongyloides stercoralis kp60g10.y1 gb|BE224367 7e−43 Strongyloides stercoralis kp89h11.y1 gb|BG226499 5e−35 Strongyloides stercoralis kq58d04.y1 gb|BF014961 2e−66 Strongyloides stercoralis kq16d05.y1 gb|BG227868 9e−59 Strongyloides stercoralis kq25d02.y1 gb|BE579290 2e−52 Strongyloides stercoralis kq07e05.y1 gb|BG227475 3e−50 Strongyloides stercoralis kq38a11.y1 gb|BE580177 5e−50 Strongyloides stercoralis kq01b02.y1 gb|BG226921 4e−46 Strongyloides stercoralis kq43f12.y1 gb|BE581211 3e−45 Strongyloides stercoralis kq59e08.y1 gb|BF014970 8e−41 Strongyloides stercoralis kq31d11.y1 gb|BE579614 4e−34 Strongyloides stercoralis kq17c02.y1 gb|BG227920 3e−30 Toxocara canis ko17e01.y1 gb|BM965806 1e−52 Trichinella spiralis ps41c08.y1 gb|BG353660 6e−68 Trichinella spiralis ps21c11.y4 gb|BG732010 2e−66 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_02F09_SKPL gb|BF049882 2e−69 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_32C10_SKPL gb|BM174670 3e−69 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_34B05_SKPL gb|BM174819 3e−41 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_28B10_SKPL gb|BM174335 2e−38 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_41B01_SKPL gb|BM1277502 4e−34 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_30G11_SKPL gb|BM174554 4e−30

C. elegans gene: C17G1.6 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Ancylostoma caninum pb60d09.y1 gb|BQ667369 3e−21 Ancylostoma caninum pj59h02.y3 gb|BU780981 3e−17 Ascaris suum kk63b06.y1 gb|BQ835552 8e−41 Ascaris suum kk75f04.y1 gb|BU965942 5e−41 Ascaris suum kk67a07.y1 gb|BQ835133 5e−39 Ascaris suum kk81d05.y1 gb|BU966321 5e−39 Ascaris suum kk82h03.y1 gb|BU966423 1e−22 Bombyx mori AU002182 dbj|AU002182 2e−18 Brugia malayi MBAFCX3H02T3 gb|AA471557 5e−17 Meloidogyne arenaria rm39h08.y1 gb|BI747415 2e−17 Meloidogyne arenaria rm44a01.y1 gb|BI747765 4e−16 Necator americanus Na_L3_54E05_SAC gb|BU089288 2e−29 Necator americanus Na_L3_46G04_SAC gb|BU088646 7e−27 Necator americanus Na_L3_33B12_SAC gb|BU088268 3e−26 Necator americanus Na_L3_42D01_SAC gb|BU666771 2e−25 Necator americanus Na_L4_01D08_SAC gb|BG467914 2e−24 Necator americanus Na_L3_43E08_SAC gb|BU666872 5e−20 Necator americanus Na_L3_28E03_SAC gb|BU088135 1e−19 Necator americanus Na_L3_18C11_SAC gb|BU087246 3e−18 Necator americanus Na_L3_23G12_SAC gb|BU087729 1e−16 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_ad_01F02_LambdaGT11FO gb|BG733933 6e−20 Ostertagia ostertagi ph69g06.y1 gb|BQ099886 8e−18 Ostertagia ostertagi ph37c02.y1 gb|BM897683 1e−17 Ostertagia ostertagi ph43h10.y1 gb|BM897848 1e−17 Ostertagia ostertagi ph47c08.y1 gb|BM896734 4e−17 Ostertagia ostertagi ph38g05.y1 gb|BM897764 2e−16 Ostertagia ostertagi ph44f10.y1 gb|BM897904 1e−15 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx10f03.y3 gb|BI451087 2e−34 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx16e12.y3 gb|BI322818 6e−29 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx13e07.y3 gb|BI322556 9e−22 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx16d11.y3 gb|BI322807 1e−18 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx34b01.y1 gb|BI742691 1e−18 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx27f02.y1 gb|BI501067 1e−17 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx35c07.y1 gb|BI742807 1e−17 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx42f06.y1 gb|BI743922 1e−15 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx26a10.y1 gb|BI500947 4e−15 Pristionchus pacificus rs82e09.y1 gb|BI500840 2e−23 Pristionchus pacificus rt09b02.y1 gb|BQ087806 7e−19 Pristionchus pacificus rs73h01.y1 gb|BI500514 1e−15 Pristionchus pacificus rs36b09.y1 gb|AW052495 5e−20 Strongyloides ratti kt84a03.y1 gb|BI741990 3e−39 Strongyloides ratti kt65c12.y1 gb|BI323632 3e−21 Strongyloides ratti kt22h07.y1 gb|BG894012 8e−18 Strongyloides ratti ku07c07.y1 gb|BM879025 6e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp47c05.y1 gb|BG224501 9e−35 Strongyloides stercoralis kp25g06.y1 gb|BE029170 3e−33 Strongyloides stercoralis kp60b07.y1 gb|BE224326 5e−33 Strongyloides stercoralis kp60f02.y1 gb|BE224353 8e−28 Strongyloides stercoralis kp04a10.y1 gb|AW496628 7e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp05g07.y1 gb|AW496678 5e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp24d04.y1 gb|BE029064 1e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp36h12.y1 gb|BE029947 3e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp54h12.y1 gb|BE224535 2e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp85d05.y1 gb|BE223897 9e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp50g09.y1 gb|BG224805 3e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp48d11.y1 gb|BG224592 4e−25 Strongyloides stercoralis kp40f09.y1 gb|BE030258 6e−24 Strongyloides stercoralis kp23b01.y1 gb|BE028980 8e−23 Strongyloides stercoralis kp53g03.y1 gb|BE224009 8e−23 Strongyloides stercoralis kp73g06.y1 gb|BE223185 5e−23 Strongyloides stercoralis kp84c04.y2 gb|BE581022 2e−23 Strongyloides stercoralis kp45a04.y1 gb|BG224325 8e−23 Strongyloides stercoralis kp26g12.y1 gb|BE029255 4e−22 Strongyloides stercoralis kp78d11.y2 gb|BE579761 2e−22 Strongyloides stercoralis kp35h02.y1 gb|BE029861 2e−21 Strongyloides stercoralis kp09g10.y1 gb|AW587924 4e−20 Strongyloides stercoralis kp26f12.y1 gb|BE029245 4e−20 Strongyloides stercoralis kp54d06.y1 gb|BE224068 2e−20 Strongyloides stercoralis kp85b01.y1 gb|BE223873 1e−20 Strongyloides stercoralis kp49d06.y1 gb|BG224673 2e−20 Strongyloides stercoralis kp58g05.y1 gb|BE224258 2e−19 Strongyloides stercoralis kp44a03.y1 gb|BG225948 1e−19 Strongyloides stercoralis kp66h07.y1 gb|BG225405 7e−19 Strongyloides stercoralis kp29d05.y1 gb|BE029604 6e−18 Strongyloides stercoralis kp39g02.y1 gb|BE030188 3e−18 Strongyloides stercoralis kp41f04.y1 gb|BE030329 2e−18 Strongyloides stercoralis kp55e05.y1 gb|BE224547 5e−18 Strongyloides stercoralis TNSSFH0001 gb|N21795 3e−18 Strongyloides stercoralis kp29g02.y1 gb|BE029626 7e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kp63g05.y1 gb|BE224503 7e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kp80b11.y2 gb|BE580669 7e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kp86b04.y1 gb|BE223626 9e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kp65e09.y1 gb|BG225224 4e−17 Strongyloides stercoralis kp25d11.y1 gb|BE029146 6e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp34d10.y1 gb|BE029758 2e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp34e03.y1 gb|BE029762 3e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp37b04.y1 gb|BE029959 2e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp57h08.y1 gb|BE224605 6e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp58e10.y1 gb|BE224244 6e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp60e04.y1 gb|BE224345 7e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp61b01.y1 gb|BG225005 2e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp48f04.y1 gb|BG224608 3e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp72b08.y1 gb|BG225809 3e−16 Strongyloides stercoralis kp03g10.y1 gb|AW496617 3e−15 Strongyloides stercoralis kp22h08.y1 gb|BE028968 1e−15 Strongyloides stercoralis kp71d04.y1 gb|BG225739 1e−15 Strongyloides stercoralis kp71c12.y1 gb|BG225735 3e−15 Strongyloides stercoralis kp61e11.y1 gb|BG225048 4e−15 Strongyloides stercoralis kq08h10.y1 gb|BG226082 3e−29 Trichinella spiralis pt31e04.y1 gb|BQ738378 2e−17

C. elegans gene: T05C12.10 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Meloidogyne rd30d09.y1 gb|BQ613344 7e−47 incognita Meloidogyne rb25a03.y1 gb|BM882030 3e−17 incognita Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM30H08SK gb|AW257707 1e−22 volvulus Onchocerca SWOv3MCAM21D03SK gb|AI444860 2e−12 volvulus Strongyloides kq58h02.y1 gb|BF014893 1e−34 stercoralis Strongyloides kq19a09.y1 gb|BG226231 2e−24 stercoralis Strongyloides kq23h04.y1 gb|BE579200 3e−22 stercoralis

C. elegans gene: R05D11.3 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687042995 gb|BM599374 2e−28 Anopheles gambiae 17000687072218 gb|BM603030 2e−28 Anopheles gambiae 17000687443914 gb|BM593861 2e−28 Anopheles gambiae 17000687314705 gb|BM586411 2e−27 Anopheles gambiae 17000687162185 gb|BM576239 1e−26 Anopheles gambiae 17000687478579 gb|BM623382 3e−23 Anopheles gambiae 17000687489887 gb|BM623861 3e−23 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_06F12_T3 gb|BU585500 4e−44 Ascaris suum ki56a07.y1 gb|BM281377 3e−41 Ascaris suum MBAsBWA194M13R gb|AW165779 6e−38 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_08A06_T3 gb|BU585565 4e−32 Ascaris suum kj45g01.y2 gb|BM517341 1e−31 Ascaris suum ki47g06.y1 gb|BM283275 4e−29 Ascaris lumbricoides Al_am_28D07_T3 gb|BU586336 1e−22 Apis mellifera BB160006B20G02.5 gb|BI511717 7e−29 Apis mellifera BB160015A20D12.5 gb|BI514405 7e−29 Apis mellifera BB170018A10D07.5 gb|BI509477 7e−29 Bombyx mori AU004592 dbj|AU004592 2e−27 Bombyx mori AU006081 dbj|AU006081 6e−27 Bombyx mori AV406293 dbj|AV406293 6e−27 Bombyx mori AV404938 dbj|AV404938 5e−24 Globodera rostochiensis rr58f12.y1 gb|BM344746 3e−41 Heterodera glycines ro22c04.y1 gb|BF014168 4e−39 Heterodera glycines ro27a03.y1 gb|BF014695 1e−34 Meloidogyne hapla rc70d01.y1 gb|BQ125588 8e−38 Ostertagia ostertagi ph86a03.y1 gb|BQ625869 2e−39 Pristionchus pacificus rs32b08.y1 gb|AW114337 6e−41 Strongyloides ratti ku24e01.y1 gb|BQ091075 7e−44 Strongyloides stercoralis kp53g06.y1 gb|BE224012 4e−44 Strongyloides stercoralis kp46d05.y1 gb|BG224431 4e−44 Strongyloides stercoralis kp49e01.y1 gb|BG224680 4e−44 Strongyloides stercoralis kp26a06.y1 gb|BE029191 3e−43 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_12H09_SKPL gb|BG577863 2e−24

C. elegans gene: C42D8.5 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687312136 gb|BM586309 1e−24 Anopheles gambiae 17000687442312 gb|BM593385 1e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687147222 gb|BM615549 3e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687284463 gb|BM640720 6e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687388771 gb|BM591666 6e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687076415 gb|BM605493 1e−18 Anopheles gambiae 17000687306814 gb|BM641014 1e−17 Anopheles gambiae 17000687321320 gb|BM587522 1e−16 Anopheles gambiae 17000687140860 gb|BM614061 5e−14 Anopheles gambiae 17000687383033 gb|BM590327 9e−13 Anopheles gambiae 17000668455074 gb|BM592015 8e−11 Anopheles gambiae 17000687446260 gb|BM595069 6e−06 Anopheles gambiae 17000687498456 gb|BM628360 2e−05 Anopheles gambiae 17000687317872 gb|BM646088 3e−04 Amblyomma variegatum EST576720 gb|BM290186 1e−23 Apis mellifera BB170014A10G05.5 gb|BI509028 9e−26 Apis mellifera BB170005B10F11.5 gb|BI504652 4e−13 Apis mellifera BB170029A10E09.5 gb|BI509998 8e−11 Bombyx mori AU004618 dbj|AU004618 2e−17 Bombyx mori AU005275 dbj|AU005275 2e−11 Bombyx mori AU004718 dbj|AU004718 4e−06 Manduca sexta EST816 gb|BE015590 3e−20 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04g06.y1 gb|BI501765 4e−41 Meloidogyne incognita rb11d01.y1 gb|BM881559 8e−41 Meloidogyne incognita rb18a12.y1 gb|BM880769 3e−41 Meloidogyne incognita rb26b04.y1 gb|BM882125 7e−40 Meloidogyne javanica rk44e09.y1 gb|BG735807 6e−38 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47b10.y1 gb|BI747899 2e−35 Meloidogyne incognita rb26c05.y1 gb|BM882137 2e−35 Meloidogyne hapla rc34h03.y1 gb|BM902335 9e−26 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx21e10.y1 gb|BI451241 6e−33 Pristionchus pacificus rs54d09.y1 gb|AW114662 3e−39 Trichinella spiralis ps52g05.y1 gb|BG520845 1e−15 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_35E08_SKPL gb|BM277122 6e−15 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_31D02_SKPL gb|BM174595 9e−13

C. elegans gene: ZK430.8 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687491429 gb|BM624505 3e−25 Anopheles gambiae 17000687503479 gb|BM597766 9e−23 Anopheles gambiae 17000687144729 gb|BM614748 2e−22 Anopheles gambiae 17000659431849 gb|BM584934 2e−21 Anopheles gambiae 17000687475690 gb|BM595494 8e−21 Anopheles gambiae 17000687085569 gb|BM607770 2e−20 Anopheles gambiae 17000687385695 gb|BM655137 4e−19 Aedes aegypti AEMTAN84 gb|AI650118 1e−22 Aedes aegypti AEMTBE10 gb|AI657546 2e−21 Amblyomma EST576420 gb|BM289886 2e−47 variegatum Amblyomma EST576491 gb|BM289957 1e−45 variegatum Bombyx mori AU005825 dbj|AU005825 1e−24 Brugia malayi BSBmL3SZ44P22SK gb|AI723670 8e−40 Brugia malayi SWAMCAC30E11SK gb|AI784735 3e−26 Brugia malayi SWAMCA791SK gb|W69058 2e−19 Heterodera glycines ro60g11.y3 gb|BI396718 1e−27 Meloidogyne hapla rc06f11.y1 gb|BM883419 1e−36 Strongyloides ratti kt33e05.y1 gb|BI073673 5e−31 Strongyloides kq05g08.y1 gb|BG227360 5e−72 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis ps41e07.y1 gb|BG353679 3e−28

C. elegans gene: W08F4.6 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Brugia malayi SWYACAL11B04SK gb|BE758466 e−104 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU09E12SK gb|AW352455 2e−93 Brugia malayi SWYACAL10F05SK gb|BE758438 1e−86 Brugia malayi SWMFCA2071SK gb|AA480716 1e−77 Brugia malayi SWMFCA2926SK gb|AA598365 1e−77 Brugia malayi SWMFCA2164SK gb|AA283595 9e−59 Brugia malayi SWAMCA1093SK gb|AA032101 1e−51 Brugia malayi RRAMCA1520SK gb|AA430774 2e−44 Brugia malayi RRAMCA2132SK gb|AI574633 6e−05 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM55E04SK gb|BG310588 e−121 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP46H10SK gb|BE949537 4e−97 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM54B10SK gb|BF918270 1e−84 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM53A07SK gb|BF824723 1e−74 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM51C05SK gb|BF727588 3e−74 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM52D06SK gb|BF824670 4e−64 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM51F03SK gb|BF727618 2e−53 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM61A06SK gb|BG809067 7e−52 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP49D03SK gb|BF199456 9e−46 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP48B10SK gb|BF064382 3e−39 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP35C02SK gb|AW562139 1e−93 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM28D06SK gb|AI692125 5e−91 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvMfCAR10H04SK gb|AW874896 1e−87 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM38A10SK gb|AW313047 2e−75 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP34D11SK gb|AW562114 1e−73 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM12D08SK gb|AI322100 3e−72 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM38E03SK gb|AW313086 6e−71 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM26F11SK gb|AI670476 5e−63 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP16F04SK gb|AI318006 1e−51 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP28E11SK gb|AI540006 1e−50 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP35E04SK gb|AW562163 1e−50 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM37F09SK gb|AW313003 2e−50 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM23B03SK gb|AI603814 5e−39 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCAM37E10SK gb|AW312994 5e−35 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvMfCAR04C04SK gb|AI381166 9e−32 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP15A02SK gb|AI771077 5e−31 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAFCAP25C08SK gb|AI368292 4e−22 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA1962SK gb|AA618916 4e−97 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA705SK gb|AA294494 6e−61 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA1335SK gb|AA293981 3e−56 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA107SK gb|AA293944 4e−53 Onchocerca volvulus SWOv3MCA1898SK gb|AA618908 1e−20 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx60h05.y1 gb|BM346811 6e−89 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx72f10.y1 gb|BM513102 5e−55 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx76e12.y1 gb|BM812715 4e−47 Parastrongyloides trichosuri kx23a05.y1 gb|BI451341 2e−31 Strongyloides stercoralis kp97h03.y1 gb|BG227161 2e−84 Strongyloides stercoralis kq65c07.y1 gb|BF015176 3e−66 Strongyloides stercoralis kq38c10.y1 gb|BE580196 4e−65

C. elegans gene: C11H1.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687504402 gb|BM632519 8e−14 Ascaris suum kj59a10.y1 gb|BM569296 2e−11 Brugia malayi BSBmL3SZ15J6SK gb|AI783191 7e−37 Brugia malayi MBAFCW6C02T3 gb|AA842256 7e−19 Brugia malayi BSBmL3SZ45E24SK gb|AI723685 4e−10 Trichinella spiralis ps40b05.y1 gb|BG353953 5e−11 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_08A04_SKPL gb|BG577585 1e−19

C. elegans gene: T23F2.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Meloidogyne incognita rb19d10.y1 gb|BM880892 6e−65 Meloidogyne hapla rc09a08.y1 gb|BM883631 1e−57 Meloidogyne hapla rc19d06.y1 gb|BM884107 5e−57 Meloidogyne hapla rc80b07.y1 gb|BQ627436 2e−57 Meloidogyne javanica rk89h09.y1 gb|BI744669 3e−52 Ostertagia ostertagi ph80a06.y1 gb|BQ457577 5e−36 Pristionchus pacificus rs74f08.y1 gb|BI703617 4e−13 Pristionchus pacificus rs73e09.y1 gb|BI703595 2e−10 Strongyloides stercoralis kq31b05.y1 gb|BE579591 7e−75 Strongyloides stercoralis kp96a08.y1 gb|BG227048 1e−22

C. elegans gene: R07E4.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687445042 gb|BM594887 3e−70 Amblyomma variegatum EST574524 gb|BM291982 9e−68 Globodera rostochiensis rr28f03.y1 gb|BM355711 3e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rf47g07.y1 gb|BQ836585 9e−76 Meloidogyne hapla rf44f11.y1 gb|BQ836331 4e−73 Meloidogyne arenaria rm39a02.y1 gb|BI747341 5e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf37e06.y1 gb|BQ837060 4e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf45g11.y1 gb|BQ836426 4e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf50g04.y2 gb|BU094140 4e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf53g05.y2 gb|BU094227 4e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf58d10.y1 gb|BQ835832 4e−66 Meloidogyne hapla rf67f06.y1 gb|BU094368 4e−66 Meloidogyne arenaria rm02d02.y1 gb|BI501589 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm02f05.y1 gb|BI501609 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm02g08.y1 gb|BI501619 2e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm02h06.y1 gb|BI501626 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm03b06.y1 gb|BI501643 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm03f11.y1 gb|BI501681 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04b02.y1 gb|BI501716 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04b09.y1 gb|BI501721 9e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04c09.y1 gb|BI501729 4e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04c12.y1 gb|BI501732 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04g02.y1 gb|BI501762 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm04g05.y1 gb|BI501764 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm05d02.y1 gb|BI501806 2e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm06f06.y1 gb|BI501906 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm07a04.y1 gb|BI501933 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm07a08.y1 gb|BI501937 9e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm07f06.y1 gb|BI501985 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm13b12.y1 gb|BI862855 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm14g07.y1 gb|BI862971 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm16g11.y1 gb|BI863129 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm17c08.y1 gb|BI745704 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm18d04.y1 gb|BI745781 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm18e04.y1 gb|BI745792 9e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm19f11.y1 gb|BI745875 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm21a07.y1 gb|BI745964 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm21d04.y1 gb|BI745991 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm23a02.y1 gb|BI746123 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm23c11.y1 gb|BI746144 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm26a06.y1 gb|BI746349 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm28c08.y1 gb|BI746525 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm29g05.y1 gb|BI746637 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm30f07.y1 gb|BI746703 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm31d04.y1 gb|BI746759 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm31f01.y1 gb|BI746774 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm32a08.y1 gb|BI746802 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm33c02.y1 gb|BI746890 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm35a06.y1 gb|BI747032 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm35d09.y1 gb|BI747063 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm37e04.y1 gb|BI747228 9e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm39h04.y1 gb|BI747413 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm40d11.y1 gb|BI747460 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm40f08.y1 gb|BI747479 3e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm41c05.y1 gb|BI747526 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm45b05.y1 gb|BI747647 7e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm45b12.y1 gb|BI747653 5e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm45e12.y1 gb|BI747681 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm45h12.y1 gb|BI747711 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm46g06.y1 gb|BI747868 9e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47a11.y1 gb|BI747891 4e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47c05.y1 gb|BI747905 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47c09.y1 gb|BI747909 1e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm47d03.y1 gb|BI747914 1e−65 Meloidogyne hapla rf26f11.y1 gb|BQ837462 2e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra84f09.y1 gb|BM773674 9e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra84f12.y1 gb|BM773677 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra92d12.y1 gb|BM774355 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra93c08.y1 gb|BM774423 4e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra95b12.y1 gb|BM774573 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra96h04.y1 gb|BM774720 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra96h10.y1 gb|BM774726 9e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra99c02.y1 gb|BM882309 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra99d03.y1 gb|BM882321 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita ra99h05.y1 gb|BM882366 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb02h10.y1 gb|BM882545 9e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb03a01.y1 gb|BM882548 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb06c07.y1 gb|BM881126 7e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb08d08.y1 gb|BM881299 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb09d03.y1 gb|BM881380 9e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb11b10.y1 gb|BM881544 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb11f12.y1 gb|BM881592 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb12g03.y1 gb|BM881679 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb16b01.y1 gb|BM880596 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb19e08.y1 gb|BM880901 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb20d04.y1 gb|BM880267 1e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb23a12.y1 gb|BM880504 4e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb23g01.y1 gb|BM880561 9e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb24b04.y1 gb|BM881952 4e−65 Meloidogyne incognita rb28d01.y1 gb|BM882671 1e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk45d01.y1 gb|BG735927 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk49a03.y1 gb|BG736042 5e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk49b09.y1 gb|BG736055 1e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk53a04.y1 gb|BG736196 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk53c10.y1 gb|BG736217 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk54h02.y1 gb|BG736324 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk57b01.y1 gb|BG736436 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk58f10.y1 gb|BG736536 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk66b08.y1 gb|BG737056 4e−65 Meloidogyne javanica rk89g01.y1 gb|BI744652 5e−65 Meloidogyne arenaria rm18g05.y1 gb|BI745808 3e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm24a02.y1 gb|BI746195 1e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm26h04.y1 gb|BI746420 2e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm27c07.y1 gb|BI746449 2e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm37e08.y1 gb|BI747232 3e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm40h05.y1 gb|BI747498 2e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm42g03.y1 gb|BI747618 3e−64 Meloidogyne incognita ra83d08.y1 gb|BM773565 3e−64 Meloidogyne incognita ra89e11.y1 gb|BM774108 1e−64 Meloidogyne incognita ra90b04.y1 gb|BM774157 5e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb08b07.y1 gb|BM881275 5e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb12c06.y1 gb|BM881640 8e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb13f04.y1 gb|BM881755 5e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb14a12.y1 gb|BM881795 2e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb15b06.y1 gb|BM881885 3e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb20f11.y1 gb|BM880296 5e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb30a09.y1 gb|BM882822 2e−64 Meloidogyne incognita rb30e01.y1 gb|BM882861 1e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk45f07.y1 gb|BG735952 1e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk53d07.y1 gb|BG736223 5e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk57h07.y1 gb|BG736497 1e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk60a03.y1 gb|BG736616 5e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk60e11.y1 gb|BG736654 5e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk62d09.y1 gb|BG736793 5e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rk64h06.y1 gb|BG736964 5e−64 Meloidogyne javanica rl01a06.y1 gb|BI863144 5e−64 Meloidogyne arenaria rm05c01.y1 gb|BI501797 2e−63 Meloidogyne arenaria rm34e11.y1 gb|BI746992 1e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc05b08.y1 gb|BM883283 2e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc08c12.y1 gb|BM883572 2e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc32b09.y1 gb|BM902099 2e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc42b02.y1 gb|BM900837 1e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc44g03.y1 gb|BM901068 1e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc47g08.y1 gb|BM901701 2e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc48e03.y1 gb|BM901766 1e−63 Meloidogyne hapla rc49g09.y1 gb|BM901884 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra84b02.y1 gb|BM773624 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra84b07.y1 gb|BM773629 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra84g09.y1 gb|BM773686 4e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra85b02.y1 gb|BM773712 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra85f05.y1 gb|BM773761 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra86d03.y1 gb|BM773827 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra86g11.y1 gb|BM773868 1e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra87b02.y1 gb|BM773892 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra88b11.y1 gb|BM773988 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra88h01.y1 gb|BM774046 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra88h12.y1 gb|BM774056 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra91a06.y1 gb|BM774236 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra92c01.y1 gb|BM774335 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra92e09.y1 gb|BM774363 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra93f06.y1 gb|BM774450 1e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra94h05.y1 gb|BM774549 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra95g06.y1 gb|BM774622 3e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra95h06.y1 gb|BM774634 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra96g11.y1 gb|BM774715 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra97d11.y1 gb|BM774770 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra97f05.y1 gb|BM774785 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra97g12.y1 gb|BM774803 4e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra98c09.y1 gb|BM774842 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra98e05.y1 gb|BM774861 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita ra99f05.y1 gb|BM882343 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb01c12.y1 gb|BM882405 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb01h09.y1 gb|BM882460 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb02c02.y1 gb|BM882484 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb05e03.y1 gb|BM881054 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb06a03.y1 gb|BM881099 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb06d12.y1 gb|BM881142 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb07c08.y1 gb|BM881207 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb07g10.y1 gb|BM881252 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb08c10.y1 gb|BM881289 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb08h09.y1 gb|BM881343 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb09f08.y1 gb|BM881408 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb09g04.y1 gb|BM881416 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb11a06.y1 gb|BM881529 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb12h03.y1 gb|BM881691 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb12h10.y1 gb|BM881697 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb14g02.y1 gb|BM881850 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb14g04.y1 gb|BM881852 4e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb14g06.y1 gb|BM881854 1e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb15a03.y1 gb|BM881872 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb16b05.y1 gb|BM880600 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb16h07.y1 gb|BM880663 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb17b06.y1 gb|BM880685 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb18d06.y1 gb|BM880798 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb22e08.y1 gb|BM880457 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb24f01.y1 gb|BM881994 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb25f11.y1 gb|BM882090 3e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb25g03.y1 gb|BM882094 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb26d05.y1 gb|BM882147 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb26g11.y1 gb|BM882186 2e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb27a05.y1 gb|BM882203 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb29f01.y1 gb|BM882780 1e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb30a01.y1 gb|BM882816 5e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb30d12.y1 gb|BM882860 3e−63 Meloidogyne incognita rb31h02.y1 gb|BM882986 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk43a07.y1 gb|BG735712 4e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk43e09.y1 gb|BG735752 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk43e12.y1 gb|BG735755 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk53e04.y1 gb|BG736231 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk53h02.y1 gb|BG736256 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk60b04.y1 gb|BG736624 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk62f12.y1 gb|BG736812 1e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk63c05.y1 gb|BG736846 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk65e08.y1 gb|BG737010 1e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk65g02.y1 gb|BG737025 3e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk66f07.y1 gb|BG737097 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk66g09.y1 gb|BG737108 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk66g10.y1 gb|BG737109 1e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk72b09.y1 gb|BI143215 3e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk81d09.y3 gb|BI745501 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk81d10.y3 gb|BI745502 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk81f12.y3 gb|BI745518 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk81g01.y3 gb|BI745519 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk89g05.y1 gb|BI744656 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk90d08.y1 gb|BI744549 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk90g10.y1 gb|BI744581 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk90g11.y1 gb|BI744582 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk91b12.y1 gb|BI744693 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk92a03.y1 gb|BI744754 3e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk97e03.y1 gb|BI745201 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk99c07.y1 gb|BI745347 5e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rk99h08.y1 gb|BI745392 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rl02d04.y1 gb|BI863247 2e−63 Meloidogyne javanica rl05d03.y1 gb|BI863458 5e−63 Strongyloides ratti ku14g06.y1 gb|BQ091242 2e−65 Strongyloides stercoralis kp53h07.y1 gb|BE224025 5e−84 Strongyloides stercoralis kq04b03.y1 gb|BG227238 2e−76 Strongyloides stercoralis kq18e12.y1 gb|BG226203 4e−66

C. elegans gene: F25B4.6 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Anopheles gambiae 17000687438069 gb|BM592421 4e−44 Apis mellifera BB170031B10F03.5 gb|BI505742 1e−45 Bombyx mori bra AV400509 dbj|AV400509 4e−30 Necator americanus Na_L3_09H09_SAC gb|BU086573 4e−54 Strongyloides ratti kt71f08.y1 gb|BI323469 1e−24

C. elegans gene: C45B2.7 Assession E Species EST ID Number value Anopheles gambiae 17000687494627 gb|BM626221 5e−16 Ancylostoma caninum pb30d08.y1 gb|BM130388 3e−16 Ancylostoma caninum pb44h12.y1 gb|BQ666635 9e−15 Ancylostoma caninum pb09e11.y1 gb|BI744487 1e−13 Ancylostoma caninum pb31h06.y1 gb|BQ125114 1e−13 Ancylostoma caninum pb31h07.y1 gb|BQ125115 1e−13 Ancylostoma caninum pb07d02.y1 gb|BI744318 5e−12 Ancylostoma caninum pb30b09.y1 gb|BM130369 9e−12 Ancylostoma caninum pb02b07.y1 gb|BF250603 4e−10 Ascaris suum kh68b11.y1 gb|BM033843 1e−18 Ascaris suum kk20b06.y1 gb|BQ096501 5e−13 Ascaris suum kk27h06.y1 gb|BQ381130 4e−12 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU08D12SK gb|AW257677 1e−14 Brugia malayi kb34c04.y1 gb|BU917772 3e−11 Manduca sexta EST292 gb|AI187503 3e−17 Meloidogyne arenaria rm35b03.y1 gb|BI747039 1e−54 Meloidogyne javanica rk99c03.y1 gb|BI745344 3e−31 Meloidogyne hapla rc59a10.y1 gb|BM952341 4e−12 Meloidogyne arenaria rm32d04.y1 gb|BI746830 1e−10 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAMCAQ10E05SK gb|BE202282 1e−15 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_ad_02F04_LambdaGT11FO gb|BG734000 4e−13 Parastrongyloides kx48f05.y1 gb|BI863807 3e−11 trichosuri Strongyloides stercoralis kq39f03.y1 gb|BE580303 3e−21

C. elegans gene: C37C3.3 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Aedes aegypti EST gb|BM144106 2e−11 Anopheles gambiae 17000687367709 gb|BM648797 1e−43 Anopheles gambiae 17000687384243 gb|BM590770 1e−41 Anopheles gambiae 17000687447857 gb|BM621866 1e−41 Ancylostoma pj99f09.y1 gb|CA033302 4e−11 caninum Amblyomma EST577974 gb|BM291440 6e−45 variegatum Bombyx mori AU000259 dbj|AU000259 3e−50 Bombyx mori AV401044 dbj|AV401044 2e−42 Bombyx mori AU006392 dbj|AU006392 1e−40 Haemonchus Hc_d11_25E08_SKPL gb|BF423278 4e−47 contortus Ancylostoma pa46g09.y1 gb|AW735046 5e−27 caninum Ancylostoma pb03g12.y1 gb|BF250735 8e−23 caninum Zeldia punctata rp11c10.y1 gb|AW773524 1e−46 Meloidogyne rk17h04.y1 gb|BE578050 2e−38 javanica Meloidogyne rk52a07.y1 gb|BG736156 2e−24 javanica Meloidogyne rk66e08.y1 gb|BG737087 1e−24 javanica Necator americanus Na_ad_01F02_SAC gb|BG734490 2e−17 Pristionchus rt01d05.y2 gb|BM812517 2e−58 pacificus Pristionchus rt01d05.y1 gb|BM565711 3e−53 pacificus Pristionchus rs26a01.y1 gb|AI988844 6e−18 pacificus Strongyloides kp41g07.y1 gb|BE030342 7e−51 stercoralis Strongyloides kp18h06.y1 gb|AW588105 2e−39 stercoralis Trichinella spiralis pt34g08.y1 gb|BQ693409 1e−52 Trichinella spiralis ps21a08.y4 gb|BG731987 1e−50 Trichinella spiralis ps31d12.y1 gb|BG353562 3e−39 Trichinella spiralis pt13a05.y1 gb|BQ693271 9e−35 Trichinella spiralis ps31d12.y2 gb|BG438577 2e−29 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_29E03_SKPL gb|BM174441 2e−35 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_08B07_SKPL gb|BG577593 4e−35

C. elegans gene: F45G2.5 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Ostertagia ph79d04.y1 gb|BQ457535 6e−52 ostertagi

C. elegans gene: K08B4.1 Assession Species EST ID Number E value Brugia malayi BSBmMFSZ22D12SK gb|AW013739 2e−59 Brugia malayi kb06e04.y1 gb|BM889162 7e−21 Heterodera glycines ro82c01.y1 gb|BI748790 5e−21 Trichuris muris Tm_ad_03F11_SKPL gb|BF169284 3e−15

C. elegans gene: ZK970.4 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Caenorhabditis briggsae gb|AC084593 1e−27 Manduca sexta emb|X67130 3e−33 Anopheles gambiae emb|Z69979 7e−31

C. elegans gene: H19M22.1 Species EST ID Assession Number E value Globodera rostochiensis rr35f05.y2 gb|BM343207 2e−13 Ancylostoma caninum pb02b10.y1 gb|BF250605 3e−17

C. elegans gene: ZK270.1 Assession E Species EST ID Number value Anopheles gambiae 17000687494627 gb|BM626221 1e−16 Ancylostoma caninum pb30d08.y1 gb|BM130388 9e−98 Ancylostoma caninum pb44h12.y1 gb|BQ666635 2e−90 Ancylostoma caninum pb31h06.y1 gb|BQ125114 6e−86 Ancylostoma caninum pb09e11.y1 gb|BI744487 5e−84 Ancylostoma caninum pb31h07.y1 gb|BQ125115 3e−84 Ancylostoma caninum pb07d02.y1 gb|BI744318 1e−79 Ancylostoma caninum pb30b09.y1 gb|BM130369 1e−78 Ancylostoma caninum pb29b03.y1 gb|BM130286 3e−75 Ancylostoma caninum pb57c05.y1 gb|BQ667670 4e−52 Ancylostoma caninum pb57d12.y1 gb|BQ667681 4e−52 Ancylostoma caninum pb46a01.y1 gb|BQ666692 2e−50 Ancylostoma caninum pb41h05.y1 gb|BQ666447 6e−11 Ascaris suum kh68b11.y1 gb|BM033843 7e−20 Ascaris suum kk20b06.y1 gb|BQ096501 6e−16 Ascaris suum kk27h06.y1 gb|BQ381130 1e−14 Ascaris suum kh95h02.y1 gb|BM285196 3e−12 Brugia malayi SWYD25CAU08D12SK gb|AW257677 3e−43 Brugia malayi kb13a04.y1 gb|BU781174 5e−19 Globodera rostochiensis rr59g08.y1 gb|BM344825 7e−18 Ancylostoma caninum pb02b07.y1 gb|BF250603 1e−13 Litomosoides JALsL3C008SAC gb|AW152689 3e−16 sigmodontis Manduca sexta EST292 gb|AI187503 1e−17 Meloidogyne hapla rc61f09.y1 gb|BQ090105 2e−17 Meloidogyne hapla rc59a10.y1 gb|BM952341 8e−16 Meloidogyne incognita MD0882 gb|BE240858 6e−14 Meloidogyne arenaria rm33a11.y1 gb|BI746878 2e−12 Meloidogyne hapla rc55a06.y1 gb|BM952077 5e−12 Meloidogyne hapla rc34h08.y1 gb|BM902339 6e−11 Meloidogyne javanica rk57a05.y1 gb|BG736428 3e−11 Meloidogyne javanica rk79a05.y1 gb|BI324434 6e−11 Necator americanus Na_L3_09G07_SAC gb|BU086563 3e−62 Necator americanus Na_L3_36B10_SAC gb|BU088351 2e−42 Necator americanus Na_L3_12F04_SAC gb|BU086791 1e−12 Onchocerca volvulus SWOvAMCAQ10E05SK gb|BE202282 2e−11 Ostertagia ostertagi Oo_ad_02F04_LambdaGT11FO gb|BG734000 2e−13 Parastrongyloides kx48f05.y1 gb|BI863807 4e−31 trichosuri Parastrongyloides kx46c04.y1 gb|BI863606 8e−27 trichosuri Pristionchus pacificus rs10e10.r1 gb|AA193996 1e−62 Strongyloides stercoralis kq31g12.y1 gb|BE579648 5e−45 Strongyloides stercoralis kq39f03.y1 gb|BE580303 9e−15

For example, the C. elegans gene mlt-12, which corresponds to open reading frame W08F4.6, has exemplary orthologs in parasitic nematodes including BG310588 in Onchocerca volvulus (e⁻¹²¹); BE758466 in Brugia malayi (e104); BG2271612 in Strongyloides stercoralis (e⁻⁸⁴); and BM3468116 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (e⁻⁸⁹). The C. elegans gene mlt-13, which corresponds to open reading frame F09B12.1, has exemplary orthologs in parasitic nematodes including BG226227 in Strongyloides stercoralis (9e⁻²⁴) and BF169279 in Trichuris muris (4e⁻¹¹). The C. elegans gene mlt-18, which corresponds to open reading frame W01F3.3, has exemplary orthologs in parastic nematodes including BG893621 in Strongyloides ratti (2e⁻²⁰); BQ625515 in Meloidogyne incognita (3e⁻²⁵); and BI746672 in Meloidogyne arenaria (6e⁻³¹). The C. elegans gene mlt-14, which corresponds to open reading frame C34G6.6, has exemplary orthologs in parastic nematodes including AA471404 in Brugia malayi (2e⁻⁶⁸); BE579677 in Strongyloides stercoralis (2e⁻⁵³); BI500192 in Pristionchus pacificus (2e⁻⁶⁹); BI782938 in Ascaris suum (9e⁻⁵²); BI073876 in Strongyloides ratti (1e⁻⁴¹); and BF060055 in Haemonchus contortus (4e⁻¹⁸). The C. elegans open reading frame ZK430.8 has an exemplary ortholog, AI723670, in Brugia malayi (8e⁻⁴⁰). The C. elegans gene pan-1, which corresponds to open reading frame M88.6 has exemplary orthologs in parastic nematodes including BI746256 in Meloidogyne arenaria (3.⁰⁰e⁻¹⁵). The C. elegans gene mlt-27, which corresponds to open reading frame C42D8.5 has exemplary orthologs in parastic nematodes including BM882137 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (6e⁻³³); BM277122 in Trichuris muris (6e⁻¹⁵); BM880769 in Meloidogyne incognita (3e⁻⁴¹); and BI501765 in Meloidogyne arenaria. The C. elegans gene mlt-25 has exemplary orthologs in parasitic nematodes including BE581131 in Strongyloides stercoralis (1e⁻³⁴). The C. elegans open reading frame C23F12.1 has exemplary orthologs in parasitic nematodes including AI5399702 in Onchocerca volvulus (e6⁻³⁸); BE5802318 in Strongyloides stercoralis (e⁻³⁵); BE2389166 in Meloidogyne incognita (e6⁻¹⁷); BI501765 in Meloidogyne arenaria; BE581131 in Strongyloides stercoralis (1e⁻³⁴); AI5399702 in Onchocerca volvulus (e⁻³⁸); BE5802318 in Strongyloides stercoratis (e⁻³⁵); BE2389166 in Meloidogyne incognita (e⁻¹⁷); BE580288 in Strongyloides stercoralis; AA161577 in Brugia malayi (e⁻³⁹); CAAC01000016 in C. briggsae; BI744615 in Meloidogyne javanica (4e-44); BG224680 Strongyloides stercoralis (4e⁻⁴⁴); AW114337 Pristionchus pacificus (e⁻⁴¹), BM281377 in Ascaris suum (2e⁻⁴¹); BU585500 in Ascaris lumbricoides; BG577863 in Trichuris muris (e⁻²⁴); BQ091075 in Strongyloides ratti (6e⁻¹⁴); AW257707 in Onchocerca volvulus; BF014893 in Strongyloides stercoralis (7e-³⁵); BQ613344 in Meloidogyne incognita (5e⁻⁴⁷); CAAC01000088 in C. Briggsae, BG735742 in Meloidogyne javanica (4e⁻¹⁴); CAAC01000028; AA110597 in Brugia malayi (3e⁻⁵⁶); BI863834 in Parastrongyloides trichosuri (3e⁻⁶⁹); AI987143 in Pristionchus pacificus (3e⁻⁵⁶); BI782814 in Ascaris suum; BI744849 in Meloidogyne javanica; and BG735807 in Meloidogyne javanica (6e⁻³⁸).

RNA Interference

RNAi is a form of post-transcriptional gene silencing initiated by the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or antisense RNA. In C. elegans many expressed genes are subject to inactivation by RNAi (Fire et al., Nature 391:806-11, 1998; Fraser et al., Nature 408:325-30, 2000). RNAi may be accomplished by growing C. elegans on plates of E. coli expressing double stranded RNA. The nematodes feed on RNA-expressing bacteria, and this feeding is sufficient to cause the inactivation of specific target genes (Fraser et al., Nature 408:325-30, 2000; Kamath et al., Genome Biol 2, 2001). A double stranded RNA corresponding to one of the mlt genes described herein (e.g., one of those listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) is used to specifically silence mlt gene expression.

siRNA

Short twenty-one to twenty-five nucleotide double-stranded RNAs are effective at down-regulating gene expression in nematodes (Zamore et al., Cell 101: 25-33) and in mammalian tissue culture cell lines (Elbashir et al., Nature 411:494-498, 2001, hereby incorporated by reference). The further therapeutic effectiveness of this approach in mammals was demonstrated in vivo by McCaffrey et al. (Nature 418:38-39. 2002). The nucleic acid sequence of an Ecdysozoan gene ortholog can be used to design small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that will inactivate mlt genes that have the specific 21 to 25 nucleotide RNA sequences used. siRNAs may be used, for example, as therapeutics to treat a parasitic nematode infection, as nematicides, or as insecticides.

Given the sequence of a mlt gene, siRNAs may be designed to inactivate that gene. For example, for a gene that consists of 2000 nucleotides, 1,978 different twenty-two nucleotide oligomers could be designed; this assumes that each oligomer has a two base pair 3′ overhang, and that each siRNA is one nucleotide residue from the neighboring siRNA. To inactivate a gene, only a few of these twenty-two nucleotide oligomers would be needed; approximately one dozen siRNAs, spaced across the 2,000 nucleotide gene, would likely be sufficient to significantly reduce target gene activity in an Ecdysozoan. Such siRNAs, for example, could be administered directly to an affected tissue, or administered systemically. C. elegans is used to identify siRNAs that cause a Mlt phenotype or larval arrest.

siRNAs that target nucleic acid sequences conserved among mlt genes would be expected to inactivate the corresponding gene in any species having that sequence. Although the protein sequences of mat genes are well conserved among widely divergent nematodes, for example, the nucleic acid sequences encoding them are not likely to exhibit the same level of conservation due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, which allows for wobble position substitutions. Thus, many siRNAs are expected to inactivate mRNAs only in specific target species. An siRNA designed to target a divergent region of O. volvulus mlt-12, for example, would be unlikely to affect other species.

Druggable Targets

The genomic survey described herein has identified a number of enzymes with small molecule substrates that function in molting. The Ecdysozoan orthologs of these worm genes represent targets, in this case for the disruption of molting, which would traditionally be selected for development of small molecule drugs. The orthologs of C. elegans genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7, for example, are novel candidates for the development of nematicides, insecticides, and therapeutics for the treatment of parasitic infections.

Proteases are a particularly promising target for anti-parasitic development since large protease inhibitor libraries presently exist (the legacy of the development of ACE inhibitors, more recently HIV protease inhibitors, and undoubtedly CED-3 like cysteine protease inhibitors) and may be screened to identify inhibitors. The chemical backbone of drugs designed against a class of proteases, such as a cysteine protease, may be used as a starting point for developing and designing drug targets against other members within that class of enzymes. In one embodiment, a candidate compound that inhibits a protease could be identified using standard methods to monitor protease biological activity, for example, substrate proteolysis. A decrease in substrate proteolysis in the presence of the candidate compound, as compared to substrate proteolysis in the absence of the candidate compound, identifies that candidate compound as useful in the methods of the invention. In fact, it is reasonable to expect the substrate of that protease to be present in the lists of mlt genes provided herein, for example, in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7. Protease/substrate pairs are identified by contacting recombinant proteases with recombinant candidate substrates and detecting substrate degradation or cleavage using an immunological assay, for example.

Isolation of Additional mlt Genes

Based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequences described herein, the isolation and identification of additional coding sequences of genes that function in molting is made possible using standard strategies and techniques that are well known in the art.

In one example, MLT polypeptides disclosed herein (e.g., those encoded by genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) are used to search a database, as described herein.

In another example, any organism that molts can serve as the nucleic acid source for the molecular cloning of such a gene, and these sequences are identified as ones encoding a protein exhibiting structures, properties, or activities associated with molt regulation disclosed herein (e.g., those listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7).

In one particular example of such an isolation technique, any one of the nucleotide sequences described herein (e.g., those listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) may be used, together with conventional methods of nucleic acid hybridization screening. Such hybridization techniques and screening procedures are well known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in Benton and Davis (Science 196:180, 1977); Grunstein and Hogness (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA 72:3961, 1975); Ausubel et al. (Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley Interscience, New York, 2001); Berger and Kimmel (Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, 1987, Academic Press, New York); and Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York. In one particular example, all or part of a mlt nucleic acid sequences listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7 may be used as a probe to screen a recombinant DNA library for genes having sequence identity to a mlt gene. Hybridizing sequences are detected by plaque or colony hybridization according to standard methods.

Alternatively, using all or a portion of the nucleic acid sequence listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7, one may readily design gene- or nucleic acid sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes, including degenerate oligonucleotide probes (i.e., a mixture of all possible coding sequences for a given amino acid sequence). These oligonucleotides may be based upon the sequence of either DNA strand and any appropriate portion of the nucleic acids, or nucleic acid sequences listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7. General methods for designing and preparing such probes are provided, for example, in Ausubel et al. (supra), and Berger and Kimmel, (Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, 1987, Academic Press, New York). These oligonucleotides are useful for mlt gene isolation or for the isolation of virtually any gene listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7, either through their use as probes capable of hybridizing to a mlt gene, or as complementary sequences or as primers for various amplification techniques, for example, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning strategies. If desired, a combination of different, detectably-labeled oligonucleotide probes may be used for the screening of a recombinant DNA library. Such libraries are prepared according to methods well known in the art, for example, as described in Ausubel et al. (supra), or they may be obtained from commercial sources.

As discussed above, sequence-specific oligonucleotides may also be used as primers in amplification cloning strategies, for example, using PCR. PCR methods are well known in the art and are described, for example, in PCR Technology, Erlich, ed., Stockton Press, London, 1989; PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications, Innis et al., eds., Academic Press, Inc., New York, 1990; and Ausubel et al. (supra). Primers are optionally designed to allow cloning of the amplified product into a suitable vector, for example, by including appropriate restriction sites at the 5′ and 3′ ends of the amplified fragment (as described herein). If desired, nucleotide sequences may be isolated using the PCR “RACE” technique, or Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (see, e.g., Innis et al. (supra)). By this method, oligonucleotide primers based on a desired sequence are oriented in the 3′ and 5′ directions and are used to generate overlapping PCR fragments. These overlapping 3′- and 5′-end RACE products are combined to produce an intact full-length cDNA. This method is described in Innis et al. (supra); and Frohman et al., (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:8998, 1988).

Partial sequences, e.g., sequence tags, are also useful as hybridization probes for identifying full-length sequences, as well as for screening databases for identifying previously unidentified related virulence genes.

In general, the invention includes any nucleic acid sequence which may be isolated as described herein or which is readily isolated by homology screening or PCR amplification using any of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein (e.g., those listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, a multitude of polynucleotide sequences encoding mlt genes, some bearing minimal similarity to the polynucleotide sequences of any known and naturally occurring gene, may be produced. Thus, the invention contemplates each and every possible variation of polynucleotide sequence that could be made by selecting combinations based on possible codon choices. These combinations are made in accordance with the standard triplet genetic code as applied to the polynucleotide sequence of naturally occurring mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), and all such variations are to be considered as being specifically disclosed.

Although nucleotide sequences which mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), or their variants are preferably capable of hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of the naturally occurring mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) under appropriately selected conditions of stringency, it may be advantageous to produce nucleotide sequences encoding mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), or their derivatives possessing a substantially different codon usage, e.g., inclusion of non-naturally occurring codons. Codons may be selected to increase the rate at which expression of the peptide occurs in a particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic host in accordance with the frequency with which particular codons are utilized by the host. Other reasons for substantially altering the nucleotide sequence encoding mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) and their derivatives without altering the encoded amino acid sequences include the production of RNA transcripts having more desirable properties, such as a greater half-life, than transcripts produced from the naturally occurring sequence.

The invention also encompasses production of DNA sequences that encode mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), or fragments thereof generated entirely by synthetic chemistry. After production, the synthetic sequence may be inserted into any of the many available expression vectors and cell systems using reagents well known in the art. Moreover, synthetic chemistry may be used to introduce mutations into a sequence encoding any mlt gene (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), or any fragment thereof.

Also encompassed by the invention are polynucleotide sequences that are capable of hybridizing to any mlt polynucleotide sequences (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), and fragments thereof under various conditions of stringency. (See, e.g., Wahl, G. M. and S. L. Berger (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:399; Kimmel, A. R. (1987) Methods Enzymol. 152:507) For example, stringent salt concentration will ordinarily be less than about 750 mM NaCl and 75 mM trisodium citrate, preferably less than about 500 mM NaCl and 50 mM trisodium citrate, and most preferably less than about 250 mM NaCl and 25 mM trisodium citrate. Low stringency hybridization can be obtained in the absence of organic solvent, e.g., formamide, while high stringency hybridization can be obtained in the presence of at least about 35% formamide, and most preferably at least about 50% formamide. Stringent temperature conditions will ordinarily include temperatures of at least about 30° C., more preferably of at least about 37° C., and most preferably of at least about 42° C. Varying additional parameters, such as hybridization time, the concentration of detergent, e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the inclusion or exclusion of carrier DNA, are well known to those skilled in the art. Various levels of stringency are accomplished by combining these various conditions as needed. In a preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 30° C. in 750 mM NaCl, 75 mM trisodium citrate, and 1% SDS. In a more preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 37° C. in 500 mM NaCl, 50 mM trisodium citrate, 1% SDS, 35% formamide, and 100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA (ssDNA). In a most preferred embodiment, hybridization will occur at 42° C. in 250 mM NaCl, 25 mM trisodium citrate, 1% SDS, 50% formamide, and 200 μg/ml ssDNA. Useful variations on these conditions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

The washing steps which follow hybridization can also vary in stringency. Wash stringency conditions can be defined by salt concentration and by temperature. As above, wash stringency can be increased by decreasing salt concentration or by increasing temperature. For example, stringent salt concentration for the wash steps will preferably be less than about 30 mM NaCl and 3 mM trisodium citrate, and most preferably less than about 15 mM NaCl and 1.5 mM trisodium citrate. Stringent temperature conditions for the wash steps will ordinarily include a temperature of at least about 25° C., more preferably of at least about 42° C., and most preferably of at least about 68° C. In a preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 25° C. in 30 mM NaCl, 3 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. In a more preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 42° C. in 15 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. In a most preferred embodiment, wash steps will occur at 68° C. in 15 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM trisodium citrate, and 0.1% SDS. Additional variations on these conditions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Methods for DNA sequencing are well known in the art and may be used to practice any of the embodiments of the invention. The resulting sequences are analyzed using a variety of algorithms which are well known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, F. M. (1997) Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y., unit 7.7)

In Silico Methods for the Isolation of Additional mlt Genes

In addition to these experimental approaches for the identification of additional mlt genes, mlt genes are also identified in silico using routine methods known to one skilled in the art and described herein. Such methods include searching genomic and EST databases for orthologs of C. elegans mlt genes, for example, mlt genes shown in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7. Thus, as new genome sequences become available for insect pests (e.g., the new mosquito genome sequence) or parasitic nematodes, the nucleic acid or protein sequence of any one of the mlt genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7, as well as mlt genes identified according to the methods of the invention (e.g., those that are identified in an enhanced mlt screens using C. elegans mutants with an increased susceptibility to RNAi) may be used to identify mlt orthologs. New mlt genes, for example, those mlt genes that function in the nervous system may be used in blastn, blastp, and tblastn comparisons to seek orthologs in new and existing genome databases. Just as degenerate oligonucleotide probes can be used in PCR and hybridization experiments, virtual probes (e.g., those degenerate nucleic acid sequences encoding a MLT polypeptide) may be used to query genome and EST databases for orthologs. In this way, orthologs of additional mlt genes will emerge.

Significantly, genomes that lack one or more mlt orthologs will also be identified using these methods. Such analyses will allow for the identification of mlt genes that are conserved, for example, only in nematodes. This will allow the development of highly specific nematicides. The identification of mlt genes that are conserved only among Ecdysozoans, and that are not present in vertebrates will allow the development of highly specific insecticides and nematicides unlikely to cause adverse side effects in vertebrates.

Polypeptide Expression

In general, MLT polypeptides of the invention may be produced by transformation of a suitable host cell with all or part of a mlt nucleic acid molecule (e.g., nucleic acids listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) or a fragment thereof in a suitable expression vehicle.

The MLT protein may be produced in a prokaryotic host, for example, E. coli, or in a eukaryotic host, for example, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mammalian cells (for example, COS 1 or NIH 3T3 cells), or any of a number of plant cells or whole plant including, without limitation, algae, tree species, ornamental species, temperate fruit species, tropical fruit species, vegetable species, legume species, crucifer species, monocots, dicots, or in any plant of commercial or agricultural significance. Particular examples of suitable plant hosts include, but are not limited to, conifers, petunia, tomato, potato, pepper, tobacco, Arabidopsis, lettuce, sunflower, oilseed rape, flax, cotton, sugarbeet, celery, soybean, alfalfa, Medicago, lotus, Vigna, cucumber, carrot, eggplant, cauliflower, horseradish, morning glory, poplar, walnut, apple, grape, asparagus, cassava, rice, maize, millet, onion, barley, orchard grass, oat, rye, and wheat.

Such cells are available from a wide range of sources including the American Type Culture Collection (Rockland, Md.); or from any of a number seed companies, for example, W. Atlee Burpee Seed Co. (Warminster, Pa.), Park Seed Co. (Greenwood, S.C.), Johnny Seed Co. (Albion, Me.), or Northrup King Seeds (Harstville, S.C.). Descriptions and sources of useful host cells are also found in Vasil I. K., Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol I, II, III Laboratory Procedures and Their Applications Academic Press, New York, 1984; Dixon, R. A., Plant Cell Culture—A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Oxford University, 1985; Green et al., Plant Tissue and Cell Culture, Academic Press, New York, 1987; and Gasser and Fraley, Science 244:1293, 1989.

One particular bacterial expression system for polypeptide production is the E. coli pET expression system (Novagen, Inc., Madison, Wis.). According to this expression system, DNA encoding a polypeptide is inserted into a pET vector in an orientation designed to allow expression. Since the gene encoding such a polypeptide is under the control of the T7 regulatory signals, expression of the polypeptide is achieved by inducing the expression of T7 RNA polymerase in the host cell. This is typically achieved using host strains which express T7 RNA polymerase in response to IPTG induction. Once produced, recombinant polypeptide is then isolated according to standard methods known in the art, for example, those described herein.

Another bacterial expression system for polypeptide production is the pGEX expression system (Pharmacia). This system employs a GST gene fusion system which is designed for high-level expression of genes or gene fragments as fusion proteins with rapid purification and recovery of functional gene products. The protein of interest is fused to the carboxyl terminus of the glutathione S-transferase protein from Schistosoma japonicum and is readily purified from bacterial lysates by affinity chromatography using Glutathione Sepharose 4B. Fusion proteins can be recovered under mild conditions by elution with glutathione. Cleavage of the glutathione S-transferase domain from the fusion protein is facilitated by the presence of recognition sites for site-specific proteases upstream of this domain. For example, proteins expressed in pGEX-2T plasmids may be cleaved with thrombin; those expressed in pGEX-3X may be cleaved with factor Xa.

Once the recombinant polypeptide of the invention is expressed, it is isolated, e.g., using affinity chromatography. In one example, an antibody (e.g., produced as described herein) raised against a polypeptide of the invention may be attached to a column and used to isolate the recombinant polypeptide. Lysis and fractionation of polypeptide-harboring cells prior to affinity chromatography may be performed by standard methods (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., supra).

Once isolated, the recombinant protein can, if desired, be further purified, e.g., by high performance liquid chromatography (see, e.g., Fisher, Laboratory Techniques In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology, eds., Work and Burdon, Elsevier, 1980).

Polypeptides of the invention, particularly short peptide fragments, can also be produced by chemical synthesis (e.g., by the methods described in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd ed., 1984 The Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, Ill.). Also included in the invention are polypeptides which are modified in ways which do not abolish their biological activity (assayed, for example as described herein). Such changes may include certain mutations, deletions, insertions, or post-translational modifications, or may involve the inclusion of any of the polypeptides of the invention as one component of a larger fusion protein.

The invention farther includes analogs of any naturally occurring polypeptide of the invention. Analogs can differ from the naturally occurring the polypeptide of the invention by amino acid sequence differences, by post-translational modifications, or by both. Analogs of the invention will generally exhibit at least 85%, more preferably 90%, and most preferably 95% or even 99% identity with all or part of a naturally occurring amino acid sequence of the invention. The length of sequence comparison is at least 15 amino acid residues, preferably at least 25 amino acid residues, and more preferably more than 35 amino acid residues. Again, in an exemplary approach to determining the degree of identity, a BLAST program may be used, with a probability score between e⁻³ and e⁻¹⁰⁰ indicating a closely related sequence. Modifications include in vivo and in vitro chemical derivatization of polypeptides, e.g., acetylation, carboxylation, phosphorylation, or glycosylation; such modifications may occur during polypeptide synthesis or processing or following treatment with isolated modifying enzymes. Analogs can also differ from the naturally occurring polypeptides of the invention by alterations in primary sequence. These include genetic variants, both natural and induced (for example, resulting from random mutagenesis by irradiation or exposure to ethanemethylsulfate or by site-specific mutagenesis as described in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed.), CSH Press, 1989, or Ausubel et al., supra). Also included are cyclized peptides, molecules, and analogs which contain residues other than L-amino acids, e.g., D-amino acids or non-naturally occurring or synthetic amino acids, e.g., β or γ amino acids.

In addition to full-length polypeptides, the invention also includes fragments of any one of the polypeptides of the invention. As used herein, the term “fragment,” means at least 5, preferably at least 20 contiguous amino acids, preferably at least 30 contiguous amino acids, more preferably at least 50 contiguous amino acids, and most preferably at least 60 to 80 or more contiguous amino acids. Fragments of the invention can be generated by methods known to those skilled in the art or may result from normal protein processing (e.g., removal of amino acids from the nascent polypeptide that are not required for biological activity or removal of amino acids by alternative mRNA splicing or alternative protein processing events). The aforementioned general techniques of polypeptide expression and purification can also be used to produce and isolate useful peptide fragments or analogs (described herein).

For eukaryotic expression, the method of transformation or transfection and the choice of vehicle for expression of the MLT polypeptide will depend on the host system selected. Transformation and transfection methods are described, e.g., in Ausubel et al. (supra); Weissbach and Weissbach, Methods for Plant Molecular Biology, Academic Press, 1989; Gelvin et al., Plant Molecular Biology Manual, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1990; Kindle, K., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 87:1228, 1990; Potrykas, I., Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biology 42:205, 1991; and BioRad (Hercules, Calif.) Technical Bulletin #1687 (Biolistic Particle Delivery Systems). Expression vehicles may be chosen from those provided, e.g., in Cloning Vectors: A Laboratory Manual (P. H. Pouwels et al., 1985, Supp. 1987); Gasser and Fraley (supra); Clontech Molecular Biology Catalog (Catalog 1992/93 Tools for the Molecular Biologist, Palo Alto, Calif.); and the references cited above. Other expression constructs are described by Fraley et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,605).

Construction of Plant Transgenes

Transgenic plants containing a mlt transgene encoding a mlt polypeptide or containing a transgene encoding an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., dsRNA, siRNA, or antisense RNA) are useful for inhibiting molting in a Ecdysozoan contacting, feeding on, or parasitizing the plant. A transgenic plant, or population of such plants, expressing at least one mlt transgene (e.g., a MLT polypeptide or mlt nucleic acid inhibitor) would be expected to have increased resistance to Ecdysozoan (e.g., insect or nematode) damage or infestation. This is particularly desirable, given that Ecdysozoans can act as vectors for various plant diseases.

When designing an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor for use in a transgenic plant, the specificity of the inhibitor must be considered. This is of particular importance when designing inhibitors that will induce plant immunity to Ecdysozoan (e.g., insect or nematode) infestation. In one particular example, the parasitic nematode, Heterodera schachti, is a beet parasite that expresses a mlt-14 ortholog. Expression of a Heterodera schachtii-specific RNA mlt-14 nucleic acid inhibitor in transgenic beets would be expected to disrupt molting and inhibit only in H. schactii, or closely related sister species, but would not be expected to affect other nematodes, insects, or vertebrates. The methods of the invention provide for highly specific nematicides and insecticides that minimize the ecological consequences of pesticide use. In most preferred embodiments, RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors target mlt genes conserved only in nematodes, and RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors are designed to target highly divergent regions of mlt genes.

For other applications an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor that affects a wide range of Ecdysozoan pests is useful. Such RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors are designed to target well conserved regions of a mlt gene. These RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors are particularly useful, for example, when crop damage is caused by a wide range of nematode or insect pests. As new genome sequences become available, the design of ever more selective RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors and chemical compounds that target particular mlt gene regions will become a simple matter of comparative genomics.

In the case of insecticide development, even though the discovery of insect mlt genes is predicated on the conservation of mlt protein sequences between insects and nematodes, it is expected that the nucleic acid sequence of the orthologous mlt genes may not be well conserved. Thus, dsRNA, for example, an RNA mlt-14 nucleic acid inhibitor target just one particular pest. For other applications, it may be advantageous to target a particular region of a mlt gene that is well conserved among most insects. An RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor against a highly conserved region of a mlt gene would be useful, for example, in treating an area for a wide range of insect pests. As new genome sequences emerge, selection of compounds and nucleic acids that target particular mlt gene regions will become a simple matter of comparative genomics.

In one preferred embodiment, a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, siRNA, or antisense RNA) is expressed by a stably-transfected plant cell line, a transiently-transfected plant cell line, or by a transgenic plant. A number of vectors suitable for stable or extrachromosomal transfection of plant cells or for the establishment of transgenic plants are available to the public; such vectors are described in Pouwels et al. (supra), Weissbach and Weissbach (supra), and Gelvin et al. (supra). Methods for constructing such cell lines are described in, e.g., Weissbach and Weissbach (supra), and Gelvin et al. (supra).

Typically, plant expression vectors include (1) a cloned plant gene under the transcriptional control of 5′ and 3′ regulatory sequences and (2) a dominant selectable marker. Such plant expression vectors may also contain, if desired, a promoter regulatory region (for example, one conferring inducible or constitutive, pathogen- or wound-induced, environmentally- or developmentally-regulated, or cell- or tissue-specific expression), a transcription initiation start site, a ribosome binding site, an RNA processing signal, a transcription termination site, and/or a polyadenylation signal.

Once the desired mlt nucleic acid sequence is obtained as described above, it may be manipulated in a variety of ways known in the art. For example, where the sequence involves non-coding flanking regions, the flanking regions may be subjected to mutagenesis.

A mlt DNA sequence of the invention may, if desired, be combined with other DNA sequences in a variety of ways. A mlt DNA sequence of the invention may be employed with all or part of the gene sequences normally associated with a mlt protein. In its component parts, a DNA sequence encoding an MLT protein is combined in a DNA construct having a transcription initiation control region capable of promoting transcription and translation in a host cell.

In general, the constructs will involve regulatory regions functional in plants which provide for modified production of MLT protein as discussed herein. The open reading frame coding for the MLT protein or functional fragment thereof will be joined at its 5′ end to a transcription initiation regulatory region. Numerous transcription initiation regions are available which provide for constitutive or inducible regulation.

For applications where developmental, cell, tissue, hormonal, or environmental expression is desired, appropriate 5′ upstream non-coding regions are obtained from other genes, for example, from genes regulated during meristem development, seed development, embryo development, or leaf development.

Regulatory transcript termination regions may also be provided in DNA constructs of this invention as well. Transcript termination regions may be provided by the DNA sequence encoding a MLT protein or any convenient transcription termination region derived from a different gene source. The transcript termination region will contain preferably at least 1-3 kb of sequence 3′ to the structural gene from which the termination region is derived. Plant expression constructs having a mlt gene as the DNA sequence of interest for expression (in either the sense or antisense orientation) may be employed with a wide variety of plant life, particularly plant life involved in the production of storage reserves (for example, those involving carbon and nitrogen metabolism). Such genetically-engineered plants are useful for a variety of industrial and agricultural applications. Importantly, this invention is applicable to dicotyledons and monocotyledons, and will be readily applicable to any new or improved transformation or regeneration method.

The expression constructs include at least one promoter operably linked to at least one mlt gene (e.g., encoding a MLT polypeptide or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor). An example of a useful plant promoter according to the invention is a caulimovirus promoter, for example, a cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) promoter. These promoters confer high levels of expression in most plant tissues, and the activity of these promoters is not dependent on virally encoded proteins. CaMV is a source for both the 35S and 19S promoters. Examples of plant expression constructs using these promoters are found in Fraley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,605. In most tissues of transgenic plants, the CaMV 35S promoter is a strong promoter (see, e.g., Odell et al., Nature 313:810, 1985). The CaMV promoter is also highly active in monocots (see, e.g., Dekeyser et al., Plant Cell 2:591, 1990; Terada and Shimamoto, Mol. Gen. Genet. 220:389, 1990). Moreover, activity of this promoter can be further increased (i.e., between 2-10 fold) by duplication of the CaMV 35S promoter (see e.g., Kay et al., Science 236:1299, 1987; Ow et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 84:4870, 1987; and Fang et al., Plant Cell 1:141, 1989, and McPherson and Kay, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,142).

Other useful plant promoters include, without limitation, the nopaline synthase (NOS) promoter (An et al., Plant Physiol. 88:547, 1988 and Rodgers and Fraley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,322), the octopine synthase promoter (Fromm et al., Plant Cell 1:977, 1989), figwort mosiac virus (FMV) promoter (Rodgers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619), and the rice actin promoter (Wu and McElroy, W091/09948).

Exemplary monocot promoters include, without limitation, commelina yellow mottle virus promoter, sugar cane badna virus promoter, rice tungro bacilliform virus promoter, maize streak virus element, and wheat dwarf virus promoter.

For certain applications, it may be desirable to produce the MLT gene product in an appropriate tissue, at an appropriate level, or at an appropriate developmental time. For this purpose, there are an assortment of gene promoters, each with its own distinct characteristics embodied in its regulatory sequences, shown to be regulated in response to inducible signals such as the environment, hormones, and/or developmental cues. These include, without limitation, gene promoters that are responsible for heat-regulated gene expression (see, e.g., Callis et al., Plant Physiol. 88:965, 1988; Takahashi and Komeda, Mol. Gen. Genet. 219:365, 1989; and Takahashi et al. Plant J. 2:751, 1992), light-regulated gene expression (e.g., the pea rbcS-3A described by Kuhlemeier et al., Plant Cell 1:471, 1989; the maize rbcS promoter described by Schäffner and Sheen, Plant Cell 3:997, 1991; the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein gene found in pea described by Simpson et al., EMBO J. 4:2723, 1985; the Arabssu promoter; or the rice rbs promoter), hormone-regulated gene expression (for example, the abscisic acid (ABA) responsive sequences from the Em gene of wheat described by Marcotte et al., Plant Cell 1:969, 1989; the ABA-inducible HVA1 and HVA22, and rd29A promoters described for barley and Arabidopsis by Straub et al., Plant Cell 6:617, 1994 and Shen et al., Plant Cell 7:295, 1995; and wound-induced gene expression (for example, of wunI described by Siebertz et al., Plant Cell 1:961, 1989), organ-specific gene expression (for example, of the tuber-specific storage protein gene described by Roshal et al., EMBO J. 6:1155, 1987; the 23-kDa zein gene from maize described by Schernthaner et al., EMBO J. 7:1249, 1988; or the French bean β-phaseolin gene described by Bustos et al., Plant Cell 1:839, 1989), or pathogen-inducible promoters (for example, PR-1, prp-1, or -1,3 glucanase promoters, the fungal-inducible wirla promoter of wheat, and the nematode-inducible promoters, TobRB7-5A and Hmg-1, of tobacco and parsley, respectively).

Plant expression vectors may also optionally include RNA processing signals, e.g., introns, which have been shown to be important for efficient RNA synthesis and accumulation (Callis et al., Genes and Dev. 1:1183, 1987). The location of the RNA splice sequences can dramatically influence the level of transgene expression in plants. In view of this fact, an intron may be positioned upstream or downstream of an MLT polypeptide-encoding sequence in the transgene to modulate levels of gene expression.

In addition to the aforementioned 5′ regulatory control sequences, the expression vectors may also include regulatory control regions which are generally present in the 3′ regions of plant genes (Thornburg et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84:744, 1987; An et al., Plant Cell 1:115, 1989). For example, the 3′ terminator region may be included in the expression vector to increase stability of the mRNA. One such terminator region may be derived from the PI-II terminator region of potato. In addition, other commonly used terminators are derived from the octopine or nopaline synthase signals.

The plant expression vector also typically contains a dominant selectable marker gene used to identify those cells that have become transformed. Useful selectable genes for plant systems include genes encoding antibiotic resistance genes, for example, those encoding resistance to hygromycin, kanamycin, bleomycin, G418, streptomycin, or spectinomycin. Genes required for photosynthesis may also be used as selectable markers in photosynthetic-deficient strains. Finally, genes encoding herbicide resistance may be used as selectable markers; useful herbicide resistance genes include the bar gene encoding the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyltransferase and conferring resistance to the broad spectrum herbicide Basta® (Frankfirt, Germany).

Efficient use of selectable markers is facilitated by a determination of the susceptibility of a plant cell to a particular selectable agent and a determination of the concentration of this agent which effectively kills most, if not all, of the transformed cells. Some useful concentrations of antibiotics for tobacco transformation include, e.g., 75-100 μg/mL (kanamycin), 20-50 μg/mL (hygromycin), or 5-10 μg/mL (bleomycin). A useful strategy for selection of transformants for herbicide resistance is described, e.g., by Vasil et al., supra.

In addition, if desired, the plant expression construct may contain a modified or fully-synthetic structural mlt coding sequence that has been changed to enhance the performance of the gene in plants. Methods for constructing such a modified or synthetic gene are described in Fischoff and Perlak, U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365.

It should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art of molecular biology, especially in the field of plant molecular biology, that the level of gene expression is dependent, not only on the combination of promoters, RNA processing signals, and terminator elements, but also on how these elements are used to increase the levels of selectable marker gene expression.

Plant Transformation

Upon construction of the plant expression vector, several standard methods are available for introduction of the vector into a plant host, thereby generating a transgenic plant. These methods include (1) Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (A. tumefaciens or A. rhizogenes) (see, e.g., Lichtenstein and Fuller In: Genetic Engineering, vol 6, P W J Rigby, ed, London, Academic Press, 1987; and Lichtenstein, C. P., and Draper, J,. In: DNA Cloning, Vol II, D. M. Glover, ed, Oxford, IRI Press, 1985)), (2) the particle delivery system (see, e.g., Gordon-Kamm et al., Plant Cell 2:603 (1990); or BioRad Technical Bulletin 1687, supra), (3) microinjection protocols (see, e.g., Green et al., supra), (4) polyethylene glycol (PEG) procedures (see, e.g., Draper et al., Plant Cell Physiol. 23:451, 1982; or e.g., Zhang and Wu, Theor. Appl. Genet. 76:835, 1988), (5) liposome-mediated DNA uptake (see, e.g., Freeman et al., Plant Cell Physiol. 25:1353, 1984), (6) electroporation protocols (see, e.g., Gelvin et al., supra; Dekeyser et al., supra; Fromm et al., Nature 319:791, 1986; Sheen Plant Cell 2:1027, 1990; or Jang and Sheen Plant Cell 6:1665, 1994), and (7) the vortexing method (see, e.g., Kindle supra). The method of transformation is not critical to the invention. Any method which provides for efficient transformation may be employed. As newer methods are available to transform crops or other host cells, they may be directly applied. Suitable plants for use in the practice of the invention include, but are not limited to, sugar cane, wheat, rice, maize, sugar beet, potato, barley, manioc, sweet potato, soybean, sorghum, cassava, banana, grape, oats, tomato, millet, coconut, orange, rye, cabbage, apple, watermelon, canola, cotton, carrot, garlic, onion, pepper, strawberry, yam, peanut, onion, bean, pea, mango, citrus plants, walnuts, and sunflower.

The following is an example outlining one particular technique, an Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. By this technique, the general process for manipulating genes to be transferred into the genome of plant cells is carried out in two phases. First, cloning and DNA modification steps are carried out in E. coli, and the plasmid containing the gene construct of interest is transferred by conjugation or electroporation into Agrobacterium. Second, the resulting Agrobacterium strain is used to transform plant cells. Thus, for the generalized plant expression vector, the plasmid contains an origin of replication that allows it to replicate in Agrobacterium and a high copy number origin of replication functional in E. coli. This permits facile production and testing of transgenes in E. coli prior to transfer to Agrobacterium for subsequent introduction into plants. Resistance genes can be carried on the vector, one for selection in bacteria, for example, streptomycin, and another that will function in plants, for example, a gene encoding kanamycin resistance or herbicide resistance. Also present on the vector are restriction endonuclease sites for the addition of one or more transgenes and directional T-DNA border sequences which, when recognized by the transfer functions of Agrobacterium, delimit the DNA region that will be transferred to the plant.

In another example, plant cells may be transformed by shooting into the cell tungsten microprojectiles on which cloned DNA is precipitated. In the Biolistic Apparatus (Bio-Rad) used for the shooting, a gunpowder charge (22 caliber Power Piston Tool Charge) or an air-driven blast drives a plastic macroprojectile through a gun barrel. An aliquot of a suspension of tungsten particles on which DNA has been precipitated is placed on the front of the plastic macroprojectile. The latter is fired at an acrylic stopping plate that has a hole through it that is too small for the macroprojectile to pass through. As a result, the plastic macroprojectile smashes against the stopping plate, and the tungsten microprojectiles continue toward their target through the hole in the plate. For the instant invention the target can be any plant cell, tissue, seed, or embryo. The DNA introduced into the cell on the microprojectiles becomes integrated into either the nucleus or the chloroplast.

In general, transfer and expression of transgenes in plant cells are now routine for one skilled in the art, and have become major tools to carry put gene expression studies in plants and to produce improved plant varieties of agricultural or commercial interest.

Transgenic Plant Regeneration

Plant cells transformed with a plant expression vector can be regenerated, for example, from single cells, callus tissue, or leaf discs according to standard plant tissue culture techniques. It is well known in the art that various cells, tissues, and organs from almost any plant can be successfully cultured to regenerate an entire plant; such techniques are described, e.g., in Vasil supra; Green et al., supra; Weissbach and Weissbach, supra; and Gelvin et al., supra.

In one particular example, a cloned MLT polypeptide expression construct under the control of the 35S CaMV promoter and the nopaline synthase terminator and carrying a selectable marker (for example, kanamycin resistance) is transformed into Agrobacterium. Transformation of leaf discs, with vector-containing Agrobacterium is carried out as described by Horsch et al. (Science 227:1229, 1985). Putative transformants are selected after a few weeks (for example, 3 to 5 weeks) on plant tissue culture media containing kanamycin (e.g. 100 μg/mL). Kanamycin-resistant shoots are then placed on plant tissue culture media without hormones for root initiation. Kanamycin-resistant plants are then selected for greenhouse growth. If desired, seeds from self-fertilized transgenic plants can then be sowed in a soil-less medium and grown in a greenhouse. Kanamycin-resistant progeny are selected by sowing surfaced sterilized seeds on hormone-free kanamycin-containing media. Analysis for the integration of the transgene is accomplished by standard techniques (see, for example, Ausubel et al. supra; Gelvin et al. supra).

Transgenic plants expressing the selectable marker are then screened for transmission of the transgene DNA by standard immunoblot and DNA detection techniques. Each positive transgenic plant and its transgenic progeny are unique in comparison to other transgenic plants established with the same transgene. Integration of the transgene DNA into the plant genomic DNA is in most cases random, and the site of integration can profoundly affect the levels and the tissue and developmental patterns of transgene expression. Consequently, a number of transgenic lines are usually screened for each transgene to identify and select plants with the most appropriate expression profiles.

Transgenic lines are evaluated for levels of transgene expression. Expression at the RNA level is determined initially to identify and quantitate expression-positive plants. Standard techniques for RNA analysis are employed for transgenic plants expressing RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors and mlt nucleic acids encoding a MLT polypeptide. Such techniques include PCR amplification assays using oligonucleotide primers designed to amplify only transgene RNA templates and solution hybridization assays using transgene-specific probes (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., supra). Those RNA-positive plants that encode a MLT protein are then analyzed for protein expression by Western immunoblot analysis using MLT specific antibodies (see, e.g., Ausubel et al., supra). In addition, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry according to standard protocols can be done using transgene-specific nucleotide probes and antibodies, respectively, to localize sites of expression within transgenic tissue.

Ectopic expression of one or more mlt genes or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors is useful for the production of transgenic plants that disrupt molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., an insect or nematode) and have an increased level of resistance to insect or nematode infestation.

Transgenic Plants Expressing a mlt Transgene Disrupt Molting in an Insect or a Nematode

As discussed above, plasmid constructs designed for the expression of mlt nucleic acids or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors (e.g., double-stranded RNA, siRNA, or antisense RNA) are useful, for example, for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., a parasitic insect or nematode) in contact with a transgenic plant transformed with at least one mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. mlt nucleic acids that are isolated from an Ecdysozoan may be engineered for expression in a plant. The mlt nucleic acid may be expressed in its entirety, a portion of the mlt nucleic acid may be expressed, or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprising a mlt nucleic acid, or comprising the complementary strand of a mlt nucleic acid, may be expressed. The portion (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or even 95%) of the full length nucleic acid may be selected to maximize specificity and minimize the effect of the nucleic acid expression on, for example, beneficial insects or nematodes. To disrupt molting in an Ecdysozoan, it is important to express an MLT protein or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor at an effective level. Evaluation of the level of insect or nematode protection conferred to a plant by ectopic expression of a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is determined according to conventional methods and assays.

In one embodiment, constitutive ectopic expression of a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is generated by transforming a plant with a plant expression vector containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding an MLT polypeptide or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA). This expression vector is then used to transform a plant according to standard methods known to the skilled artisan and described in Fischhoff et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,365).

To assess resistance to nematodes or insects, transformed plants and appropriate control plants not expressing a transgene are grown to maturity, and a harmful insect or nematode is introduced to the plant under controlled conditions (for example, standard levels of temperature, humidity, and/or soil conditions). After a period of incubation sufficient to allow the growth and reproduction of a harmful insect or nematode on a control plant, nematodes or insects on transgenic and control plants are evaluated for their level of growth, viability, or reproduction according to conventional experimental methods. In one embodiment, the number of insects or nematodes and their progeny is recorded every twenty-four hours for seven days, fourteen days, twenty-one days, or twenty-eight days after inoculation. From these data, the effectiveness of transgene expression is determined. Transformed plants expressing a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor that inhibits the growth, viability, or reproduction of a harmful insect or nematode relative to control plants are taken as being useful in the invention.

In another embodiment, plant damage in response to infestation with a harmful insect or parasitic nematode is evaluated according to standard methods. The level of insect or nematode damage in a plant expressing a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor relative to a control plant not transformed with a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor are compared. Transformed plants expressing a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor that protects the plant from insect or nematode infestation, relative to a control plant not expressing a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, are taken as being useful in the invention.

Plants expressing a mlt nucleic acid or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., a mlt double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA or siRNA) are less vulnerable to insects, nematodes, and pest-transmitted diseases. The invention further provides for increased production efficiency, as well as for improvements in quality and yield of crop plants and ornamentals. Thus, the invention contributes to the production of high quality and high yield agricultural products, for example, fruits, ornamentals, vegetables, cereals and field crops having reduced spots, blemishes, and blotches that are caused by insects or nematodes; agricultural products with increased shelf-life and reduced handling costs; and high quality and yield crops for agricultural (for example, cereal and field crops), industrial (for example, oilseeds), and commercial (for example, fiber crops) purposes. Furthermore, because the invention reduces the necessity for chemical protection against plant pathogens, the invention benefits the environment where the crops are grown. Genetically-improved seeds and other plant products that are produced using plants expressing the nucleic acids described herein also render farming possible in areas previously unsuitable for agricultural production.

Production of Transgenic Domestic Mammals

Domesticated mammals (such as a cow, sheep, goat, pig, horse, dog, or cat) expressing a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA) are useful for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan contacting (e.g., feeding on or parasitizing) the mammal. Such transgenic mammals will be resistant to Ecdysozoan parasites and will be useful in controlling insect or parasite infestation, or the spread of diseases transmitted by Ecdysozoan vectors. Methods for generating a transgenic mammal are known to the skilled artisan, and are described, for example, in WO 02/51997 and WO 02/070648. Transgenic mammals may be produced using standard methods for nuclear transfer, embryonic activation, embryo culture, and embryo transfer. Traditional methods for generating such mammals are described by Cibelli et al. (Science 1998: 280:1256-1258).

Production of Transgenic Ecdysozoans

Some human parasites spend a part of their life cycle parasitizing an insect host. Methods of the invention are useful in controlling such parasites. Transgenic insect hosts (e.g., Drosophila) expressing a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA) are useful for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., nematode) parasitizing the insect host. Such transgenic insects will be useful in controlling parasite infestation, or the spread of diseases transmitted by Ecdysozoan vectors.

In one embodiment, an insect (e.g., a black fly) is transformed with an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. Expression of the RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor kills parasitic nematode larvae (e.g., Onchocerca volvulus) within the insect host.

In another embodiment, transgenic Ecdysozoans (e.g., insects or nematodes) expressing a mlt nucleic acid or an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor (e.g., double-stranded RNA, antisense RNA, or siRNA) are useful for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan contacting (e.g., breeding with) the insect. A transgenic Ecdysozoan is bred to a naturally occurring Ecdysozoan to inhibit molting in the progeny and control an Ecdysozoan pest population. Methods for generating transgenic insects and nematodes are known to the skilled artisan, and are described, for example, by Kassis et al., (PNAS 89:1919-1923, 1992) and Chalfie et al., (Science 263:802-5, 1994).

Antibodies

The polypeptides disclosed herein or variants thereof or cells expressing them can be used as an immunogen to produce antibodies immunospecific for such polypeptides. “Antibodies” as used herein include monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, chimeric, single chain, simianized antibodies and humanized antibodies, as well as Fab fragments, including the products of an Fab immunolglobulin expression library.

To generate antibodies, a coding sequence for a polypeptide of the invention may be expressed as a C-terminal fusion with glutathione S-transferase (GST) (Smith et al., Gene 67:31, 1988). The fusion protein is purified on glutathione-Sepharose beads, eluted with glutathione, cleaved with thrombin (at the engineered cleavage site), and purified to the degree necessary for immunization of rabbits. Primary immunizations are carried out with Freund's complete adjuvant and subsequent immunizations with Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Antibody titres are monitored by Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses using the thrombin-cleaved protein fragment of the GST fusion protein. Immune sera are affinity purified using CNBr-Sepharose-coupled protein. Antiserum specificity is determined using a panel of unrelated GST proteins.

As an alternate or adjunct immunogen to GST fusion proteins, peptides corresponding to relatively unique immunogenic regions of a polypeptide of the invention may be generated and coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) through an introduced C-terminal lysine. Antiserum to each of these peptides is similarly affinity purified on peptides conjugated to BSA, and specificity tested in ELISA and Western blots using peptide conjugates, and by Western blot and immunoprecipitation using the polypeptide expressed as a GST fusion protein.

Alternatively, monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind any one of the polypeptides of the invention are prepared according to standard hybridoma technology (see, e.g., Kohler et al., Nature 256:495, 1975; Kohler et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 6:511, 1976; Kohler et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 6:292, 1976; Hammerling et al., In Monoclonal Antibodies and T Cell Hybridomas, Elsevier, N.Y., 1981; Ausubel et al., supra). Once produced, monoclonal antibodies are also tested for specific recognition by Western blot or immunoprecipitation analysis (by the methods described in Ausubel et al., supra). Antibodies which specifically recognize the polypeptide of the invention are considered to be useful in the invention; such antibodies may be used, e.g., in an immunoassay. Alternatively monoclonal antibodies may be prepared using the polypeptide of the invention described above and a phage display library (Vaughan et al., Nature Biotech 14:309, 1996).

Preferably, antibodies of the invention are produced using fragments of the polypeptides disclosed herein which lie outside generally conserved regions and appear likely to be antigenic, by criteria such as high frequency of charged residues. In one specific example, such fragments are generated by standard techniques of PCR and cloned into the pGEX expression vector (Ausubel et al., supra). Fusion proteins are expressed in E. coli and purified using a glutathione agarose affinity matrix as described in Ausubel et al. (supra). To attempt to minimize the potential problems of low affinity or specificity of antisera, two or three such fusions are generated for each protein, and each fusion is injected into at least two rabbits. Antisera are raised by injections in a series, preferably including at least three booster injections.

Diagnostics

In another embodiment, antibodies which specifically bind any of the polypeptides described herein may be used for the diagnosis of a parasite infection, or a parasite-related disease. A variety of protocols for measuring such polypeptides, including immunological methods (such as ELISAs and RIAs) and FACS, are known in the art and provide a basis for diagnosing a parasite infection or a parasite-related disease.

In another aspect, hybridization with PCR probes which are capable of detecting polynucleotide sequences, including mlt genomic sequences, mlt open reading frames, or closely related molecules may be used to identify nucleic acid sequences which encode a MLT gene product. The specificity of the probe, whether it is made from a highly specific region, e.g., the 5′ regulatory region, or from a less specific region, e.g., a conserved motif, and the stringency of the hybridization or amplification (maximal, high, intermediate, or low), will determine whether the probe identifies only naturally occurring sequences mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7), allelic variants, or related sequences. Hybridization techniques may be used to identify mutations in mlt genes or may be used to monitor expression levels of these genes (for example, by Northern analysis, (Ausubel et al., supra).

In further embodiments, oligonucleotides or longer fragments derived from any of the polynucleotide sequences described herein may be used as targets in a microarray. The microarray can be used to monitor the expression level of large numbers of genes simultaneously and to identify genetic variants, mutations, and polymorphisms. This information may be used to determine gene function, and to develop and monitor the activities of therapeutic agents. Microarrays may be prepared, used, and analyzed using methods known in the art. (See, e.g., Brennan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,796; Schena et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 93:10614, 1996; Baldeschweiler et al., PCT application WO95/251116, 1995; Shalon, D. et al., PCT application WO95/35505, 1995; Heller et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 94:2150, 1997; and Heller et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,662.)

Screening Assays

As discussed above, the identified mlt genes (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) function in Ecdysozoan molting. Based on this discovery, screening assays were developed to identify compounds that inhibit the action of a MLT polypeptide or the expression of a mlt nucleic acid sequence. The method of screening may involve high-throughput techniques. In addition, these screening techniques may be carried out in cultured cells or in animals (such as nematodes).

Any number of methods are available for carrying out such screening assays. In one working example, candidate compounds are added at varying concentrations to the culture medium of cultured cells or nematodes expressing one of the nucleic acid sequences of the invention. Gene expression is then measured, for example, by standard Northern blot analysis (Ausubel et al., supra) or RT-PCR, using any appropriate fragment prepared from the nucleic acid molecule as a hybridization probe. The level of gene expression in the presence of the candidate compound is compared to the level measured in a control culture medium lacking the candidate molecule. A compound which promotes a decrease in the expression of a mlt gene (e.g., a gene listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) or functional equivalent is considered useful in the invention; such a molecule may be used, for example, as a nematicide, insecticide, or therapeutic to treat a parasitic-nematode infection. Such cultured cells include nematode cells (for example, C. elegans cells), mammalian, or insect cells.

In another working example, the effect of candidate compounds may be measured at the level of polypeptide production using the same general approach and standard immunological techniques, such as Western blotting or immunoprecipitation with an antibody specific for a MLT polypeptide encoded by a mlt gene (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7). For example, immunoassays may be used to detect or monitor the expression of at least one of the polypeptides of the invention in an organism. Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies (produced as described above) which are capable of binding to such a polypeptide may be used in any standard immunoassay format (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, or RIA assay) to measure the level of the polypeptide. A compound that promotes a decrease in the expression of the polypeptide is considered particularly useful. Again, such a molecule may be used, for example, as a nematicide, insecticide, or therapeutic to delay, ameliorate, or treat a parasitic nematode infection.

In yet another working example, candidate compounds may be screened for those which specifically bind to and antagonize a MLT polypeptide encoded by a mlt gene (e.g., genes listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7). The efficacy of such a candidate compound is dependent upon its ability to interact with a MLT polypeptide or a functional equivalent thereof. Such an interaction can be readily assayed using any number of standard binding techniques and functional assays (e.g., those described in Ausubel et al., supra). For example, a candidate compound may be tested in vitro for interaction and binding with a polypeptide of the invention and its ability to modulate molting may be assayed by any standard assay (e.g., those described herein).

In one particular working example, a candidate compound that binds to a MLT polypeptide, i.e., a polypeptide encoded by a mlt gene (e.g., a gene listed in Tables 1A, 1B, 4A-4D, and 7) may be identified using a chromatography-based technique. For example, a recombinant polypeptide of the invention may be purified by standard techniques from cells engineered to express the polypeptide (e.g., those described above) and may be immobilized on a column. A solution of candidate compounds is then passed through the column, and a compound specific for the MLT polypeptide is identified on the basis of its ability to bind to the MLT polypeptide and be immobilized on the column. To isolate the compound, the column is washed to remove non-specifically bound molecules, and the compound of interest is then released from the column and collected. Compounds isolated by this method (or any other appropriate method) may, if desired, be further purified (e.g., by high performance liquid chromatography). In addition, these candidate compounds may be tested for their ability to disrupt molting (e.g., as described herein). Compounds isolated by this approach may also be used, for example, as nematicides, insecticides, or therapeutics to treat a parasitic nematode infection. Compounds which are identified as binding to a MLT polypeptide with an affinity constant less than or equal to 10 mM are considered particularly useful in the invention. Alternatively, any in vivo protein interaction detection system, for example, any two-hybrid assay may be utilized.

Potential antagonists include organic molecules, peptides, peptide mimetics, polypeptides, nucleic acids, and antibodies that bind to a nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide of the invention (e.g., MLT polypeptide) and thereby decrease its activity. Potential antagonists also include small molecules that bind to and occupy the binding site of the polypeptide thereby preventing binding to cellular binding molecules, such that normal biological activity is prevented.

Each of the DNA sequences provided herein may also be used in the discovery and development of a nematicide, insecticide, or therapeutic compound for the treatment of parasitic nematode infection. The encoded protein, upon expression, can be used as a target for the screening of molt-disrupting drugs. Additionally, the DNA sequences encoding the amino terminal regions of the encoded protein or Shine-Delgarno or other translation facilitating sequences of the respective mRNA can be used to construct antisense sequences to control the expression of the coding sequence of interest. Such sequences may be isolated by standard techniques (Ausubel et al., supra).

The antagonists of the invention may be employed, for instance, as nematicides, insecticides, or therapeutics for the treatment of a parasitic nematode infection.

Optionally, compounds identified in any of the above-described assays may be confirmed as useful in a C. elegans molting assay.

Small molecules of the invention preferably have a molecular weight below 2,000 daltons, more preferably between 300 and 1,000 daltons, and most preferably between 400 and 700 daltons. It is preferred that these small molecules are organic molecules.

Test Compounds and Extracts

In general, compounds capable of disrupting molting are identified from large libraries of both natural product or synthetic (or semi-synthetic) extracts or chemical libraries according to methods known in the art. Those skilled in the field of drug discovery and development will understand that the precise source of test extracts or compounds is not critical to the screening procedure(s) of the invention. Compounds used in screens may include known compounds (for example, known therapeutics used for other diseases or disorders). Alternatively, virtually any number of unknown chemical extracts or compounds can be screened using the methods described herein. Examples of such extracts or compounds include, but are not limited to, plant-, fungal-, prokaryotic- or animal-based extracts, fermentation broths, and synthetic compounds, as well as modification of existing compounds. Numerous methods are also available for generating random or directed synthesis (e.g., semi-synthesis or total synthesis) of any number of chemical compounds, including, but not limited to, saccharide-, lipid-, peptide-, and nucleic acid-based compounds. Synthetic compound libraries are commercially available from Brandon Associates (Merrimack, N.H.) and Aldrich Chemical (Milwaukee, Wis.). Alternatively, libraries of natural compounds in the form of bacterial, fungal, plant, and animal extracts are commercially available from a number of sources, including Biotics (Sussex, UK), Xenova (Slough, UK), Harbor Branch Oceangraphics Institute (Ft. Pierce, Fla.), and PharmaMar, U.S.A. (Cambridge, Mass.). In addition, natural and synthetically produced libraries are produced, if desired, according to methods known in the art, e.g., by standard extraction and fractionation methods. Furthermore, if desired, any library or compound is readily modified using standard chemical, physical, or biochemical methods.

In addition, those skilled in the art of drug discovery and development readily understand that methods for dereplication (e.g., taxonomic dereplication, biological dereplication, and chemical dereplication, or any combination thereof) or the elimination of replicates or repeats of materials already known for their molt-disrupting activity should be employed whenever possible.

When a crude extract is found to have a molt-disrupting activity, or a binding activity, further fractionation of the positive lead extract is necessary to isolate chemical constituents responsible for the observed effect. Thus, the goal of the extraction, fractionation, and purification process is the careful characterization and identification of a chemical entity within the crude extract having molt-disrupting activity. Methods of fractionation and purification of such heterogenous extracts are known in the art. If desired, compounds shown to be useful as insecticides, nematicides, or therapeutics for the treatment of a parasitic nematode infection are chemically modified according to methods known in the art.

Pharmaceutical Therapeutics

The invention provides a simple means for identifying compounds (including peptides, small molecule inhibitors, and mimetics) capable of acting as therapeutics for the treatment of a parasitic nematode infection. Accordingly, a chemical entity discovered to have medicinal value using the methods described herein is useful as a drug or as information for structural modification of existing insecticides or nematicides compounds, e.g., by rational drug design. Such methods are useful for screening compounds having an effect on a variety of conditions involving parasitic nematode infections in animals, for example, mammals, including humans and domestic animals (e.g., virtually any bovine, canine, caprine, feline, ovine, or porcine species). Parasitic nematodes that infect animals include, but are not limited to, any ascarid, filarid, or rhabditid (e.g., Dioctophymatida, Dioctophyme renale, Eustrongylides tubifex, Trichurida, Capillaria hepatica, Capillaria philippinensis, Trichinella spiralis, Trichuris muris, Trichuris, Trichuris trichiura, Trichuris vulpis. Ancylostoma, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoina duodenal, Ancylostoma braziliense, Necator, Necator americanus, Placoconus, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Obeliscoides cuniculi, Ostertagia, Trichostongylus, Ascaris, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris suum, Toxocara canis, Baylisascaris procyonis, Anisakis, Oxyurida, Enterobius vennicularis, Cosmocerella, Onchocercidae, Brugia malayi, Dirofilaria, Dirofilaria immitis, Loa boa, Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Spinitectus, Camallanus, Camallanus oxycephalus, Dracunculus, Dracunculus medinensis, Philometra cylindracea, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Parastrongyloides trichosuri, Pristionchus pacificus, Steinernema, Strongyloides stercoralis, or Strongyloides ratti).

For therapeutic uses, the compositions or agents identified using the methods disclosed herein may be administered systemically, for example, formulated in a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer such as physiological saline. Preferable routes of administration include, for example, subcutaneous, intravenous, interperitoneally, intramuscular, or intradermal injections that provide continuous, sustained levels of the drug in the patient. Treatment of human patients or other animals will be carried out using a therapeutically effective amount of a parasite inhibitory agent in a physiologically-acceptable carrier. Suitable carriers and their formulation are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E. W. Martin. The amount of the nematicide agent to be administered varies depending upon the manner of administration, the age and body weight of the patient, and with the type of parasite the extensiveness of the infection. Generally, amounts will be in the range of those used for other agents used in the treatment of other diseases associated with parasite infection, although in certain instances lower amounts will be needed because of the increased specificity of the compound. In some applications, higher concentrations of the agent may be used given that the compound is highly specific to nematodes, and is therefore less likely to have adverse side effects in humans. A compound is administered at a dosage that induces larval arrest, disrupts nematode molting, or inhibits nematode viability.

Formulation of Pharmaceutical Compositions

The administration of an anti-parasitic compound may be by any suitable means that results in a concentration of the anti-parasitic that, combined with other components, is anti-parasitic upon reaching the parasite target. The compound may be contained in any appropriate amount in any suitable carrier substance, and is generally present in an amount of 1-95% by weight of the total weight of the composition. The composition may be provided in a dosage form that is suitable for parenteral (e.g., subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly, or intraperitoneally) administration route. The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated according to conventional pharmaceutical practice (see, e.g., Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20th ed.), ed. A. R. Gennaro, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000 and Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology, eds. J. Swarbrick and J. C. Boylan, 1988-1999, Marcel Dekker, New York).

Pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulated to release the active compound substantially immediately upon administration or at any predetermined time or time period after administration. The latter types of compositions are generally known as controlled release formulations, which include (i) formulations that create a substantially constant concentration of the anti-parasitic within the body over an extended period of time; (ii) formulations that after a predetermined lag time create a substantially constant concentration of the anti-parasitic within the body over an extended period of time; (iii) formulations that sustain anti-parasitic action during a predetermined time period by maintaining a relatively, constant, effective anti-parasitic level in the body with concomitant minimization of undesirable side effects associated with fluctuations in the plasma level of the active anti-parasitic substance (sawtooth kinetic pattern); (iv) formulations that localize anti-parasitic action by, e.g., spatial placement of a controlled release composition adjacent to or in the infected tissue or organ; (v) formulations that allow for convenient dosing, such that doses are administered, for example, once every one or two weeks; and (vi) formulations that target a parasite by using carriers or chemical derivatives to deliver the anti-parasitic to a particular parasite or parasite infected cell type. Administration of anti-parasitic compounds in the form of a controlled release formulation is especially preferred for anti-parasitics having a narrow absorption window in the gastro-intestinal tract or a very short biological half-life. In these cases, controlled release formulations obviate the need for frequent dosing during the day to sustain the plasma level at a therapeutic level.

Any of a number of strategies can be pursued in order to obtain controlled release in which the rate of release outweighs the rate of metabolism of the compound in question. In one example, controlled release is obtained by appropriate selection of various formulation parameters and ingredients, including, e.g., various types of controlled release compositions and coatings. Thus, the anti-parasitic is formulated with appropriate excipients into a pharmaceutical composition that, upon administration, releases the anti-parasitic in a controlled manner. Examples include single or multiple unit tablet or capsule compositions, oil solutions, suspensions, emulsions, microcapsules, microspheres, molecular complexes, nanoparticles, patches, and liposomes.

Parenteral Compositions

The pharmaceutical composition may be administered parenterally by injection, infusion or implantation (subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or the like) in dosage forms, formulations, or via suitable delivery devices or implants containing conventional, non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and adjuvants. The formulation and preparation of such compositions are well known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical formulation. Formulations can be found in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra.

Compositions for parenteral use may be provided in unit dosage forms (e.g., in single-dose ampoules), or in vials containing several doses and in which a suitable preservative may be added (see below). The composition may be in form of a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, an infusion device, or a delivery device for implantation, or it may be presented as a dry powder to be reconstituted with water or another suitable vehicle before use. Apart from the active anti-parasitic (s), the composition may include suitable parenterally acceptable carriers and/or excipients. The active anti-parasitic (s) may be incorporated into microspheres, microcapsules, nanoparticles, liposomes, or the like for controlled release. Furthermore, the composition may include suspending, solubilizing, stabilizing, pH-adjusting agents, tonicity adjusting agents, and/or dispersing agents.

As indicated above, the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be in the form suitable for sterile injection. To prepare such a composition, the suitable active anti-parasitic (s) are dissolved or suspended in a parenterally acceptable liquid vehicle. Among acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, water adjusted to a suitable pH by addition of an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide or a suitable buffer, 1,3-butanediol, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride solution and dextrose solution. The aqueous formulation may also contain one or more preservatives (e.g., methyl, ethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate). In cases where one of the compounds is only sparingly or slightly soluble in water, a dissolution enhancing or solubilizing agent can be added, or the solvent may include 10-60% w/w of propylene glycol or the like.

Controlled Release Parenteral Compositions

Controlled release parenteral compositions may be in form of aqueous suspensions, microspheres, microcapsules, magnetic microspheres, oil solutions, oil suspensions, or emulsions. Alternatively, the active anti-parasitic (s) may be incorporated in biocompatible carriers, liposomes, nanoparticles, implants, or infusion devices.

Materials for use in the preparation of microspheres and/or microcapsules are, e.g., biodegradable/bioerodible polymers such as polygalactin, poly-(isobutyl cyanoacrylate), poly(2-hydroxyethyl-L-glutamine) and, poly(lactic acid). Biocompatible carriers that may be used when formulating a controlled release parenteral formulation are carbohydrates (e.g., dextrans), proteins (e.g., albumin), lipoproteins, or antibodies. Materials for use in implants can be non-biodegradable (e.g., polydimethyl siloxane) or biodegradable (e.g., poly(caprolactone), poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) or poly(ortho esters) or combinations thereof).

Solid Dosage Forms for Oral Use

Formulations for oral use of interferon include tablets containing the active ingredient(s) in a mixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Such formulations are known to the skilled artisan. Excipients may be, for example, inert diluents or fillers (e.g., sucrose, sorbitol, sugar, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, starches including potato starch, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, lactose, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, or sodium phosphate); granulating and disintegrating agents (e.g., cellulose derivatives including microcrystalline cellulose, starches including potato starch, croscarmellose sodium, alginates, or alginic acid); binding agents (e.g., sucrose, glucose, sorbitol, acacia, alginic acid, sodium alginate, gelatin, starch, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or polyethylene glycol); and lubricating agents, glidants, and antiadhesives (e.g., magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, stearic acid, silicas, hydrogenated vegetable oils, or talc). Other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients can be colorants, flavoring agents, plasticizers, humectants, buffering agents, and the like.

The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques, optionally to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby providing a sustained action over a longer period. The coating may be adapted to release the active anti-parasitic substance in a predetermined pattern (e.g., in order to achieve a controlled release formulation) or it may be adapted not to release the active anti-parasitic substance until after passage of the stomach (enteric coating). The coating may be a sugar coating, a film coating (e.g., based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, methyl hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylate copolymers, polyethylene glycols and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone), or an enteric coating (e.g., based on methacrylic acid copolymer, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, shellac, and/or ethylcellulose). Furthermore, a time delay material such as, e.g., glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed.

The solid tablet compositions may include a coating adapted to protect the composition from unwanted chemical changes, (e.g., chemical degradation prior to the release of the active anti-parasitic substance). The coating may be applied on the solid dosage form in a similar manner as that described in Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology, supra.

The two anti-parasitics may be mixed together in the tablet, or may be partitioned. In one example, the first anti-parasitic is contained on the inside of the tablet, and the second anti-parasitic is on the outside, such that a substantial portion of the second anti-parasitic is released prior to the release of the first anti-parasitic.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as chewable tablets, or as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent (e.g., potato starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin), or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example, peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil. Powders and granulates may be prepared using the ingredients mentioned above under tablets and capsules in a conventional manner using, e.g., a mixer, a fluid bed apparatus or a spray drying equipment.

Controlled Release Oral Dosage Forms

Controlled release compositions for oral use may, e.g., be constructed to release the active anti-parasitic by controlling the dissolution and/or the diffusion of the active anti-parasitic substance.

Dissolution or diffusion controlled release can be achieved by appropriate coating of a tablet, capsule, pellet, or granulate formulation of compounds, or by incorporating the compound into an appropriate matrix. A controlled release coating may include one or more of the coating substances mentioned above and/or, e.g., shellac, beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate, glycerol palmitostearate, ethylcellulose, acrylic resins, dl-polylactic acid, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene, polymethacrylate, methylmethacrylate, 2-hydroxymethacrylate, methacrylate hydrogels, 1,3 butylene glycol, ethylene glycol methacrylate, and/or polyethylene glycols. In a controlled release matrix formulation, the matrix material may also include, e.g., hydrated metylcellulose, carnauba wax and stearyl alcohol, carbopol 934, silicone, glyceryl tristearate, methyl acrylate-methyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and/or halogenated fluorocarbon.

A controlled release composition containing one or more of the compounds of the claimed combinations may also be in the form of a buoyant tablet or capsule (i.e., a tablet or capsule that, upon oral administration, floats on top of the gastric content for a certain period of time). A buoyant tablet formulation of the compound(s) can be prepared by granulating a mixture of the anti-parasitic (s) with excipients and 20-75% w/w of hydrocolloids, such as hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. The obtained granules can then be compressed into tablets. On contact with the gastric juice, the tablet forms a substantially water-impermeable gel barrier around its surface. This gel barrier takes part in maintaining a density of less than one, thereby allowing the tablet to remain buoyant in the gastric juice.

Combination Therapies

Anti-parasitics may be administered in combination with any other standard anti-parasitic therapy; such methods are known to the skilled artisan and described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences by E. W. Martin.

Insecticides and Nematicides

Insecticides and nematicides are also provided by the methods described herein to control insects and nematodes. Such insecticides and nematicides are expected to be superior to existing insecticides and nematicides: (i) because they are specific to insect or nematode proteins and therefore unlikely to have adverse effects on humans; (ii) because they arrest development during molting, a non-feeding stage, in contrast to juvenile hormone insecticides which arrest development during a feeding stage; and/or (iii) because they result in an agriculturally desirable insect kill or “knockdown.” Methods for the production and application of insecticides or nematicides are standard in the art and described herein.

A method of controlling an insect, nematode, or other Ecdysozoan population is provided by the invention. The method involves contacting an insect or nematode with a biocidally effective amount of a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. Such methods may be used to kill or reduce the numbers of insects or nematodes in a given area, or may be prophylactically applied to an area to prevent infestation by a susceptible Ecdysozoan. Preferably the insect or nematode ingests, or is contacted with, an biocidally-effective amount of the MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor.

Insect Pests

Virtually all field crops, plants, and commercial farming areas are susceptible to attack by one or more insect pests. Such insect pests may be targeted with an insecticide containing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. For example, vegetable and cole crops such as artichokes, kohlrabi, arugula, leeks, asparagus, lentils, beans, lettuce (e.g. head, leaf, romaine), beets, bok choy, malanga, broccoli, melons (e.g., muskmelon, watermelon, crenshaw, honeydew, cantaloupe), brussels sprouts, cabbage, cardoni, carrots, napa, cauliflower, okra, onions, celery, parsley, chick peas, parsnips, chicory, peas, Chinese cabbage, peppers, collards, potatoes, cucumber, pumpkins, cucurbits, radishes, dry bulb onions, rutabaga, eggplant, salsify, escarole, shallots, endive, soybean, garlic, spinach, green onions, squash, greens, sugar beets, sweet potatoes, turnip, swiss chard, horseradish, tomatoes, kale, turnips, and a variety of spices are sensitive to infestation by one or more of the following insect pests: alfalfa looper, armyworm, beet armyworm, artichoke plume moth, cabbage budworm, cabbage looper, cabbage webworm, corn earworm, celery leafeater, cross-striped cabbageworm, european corn borer, diamondback moth, green cloverworm, imported cabbageworm, melonworm, omnivorous leafroller, pickleworm, rindworm complex, saltmarsh caterpillar, soybean looper, tobacco budworm, tomato fruitworm, tomato hornworm, tomato pinworm, velvetbean caterpillar, and yellowstriped armyworm.

Likewise, pasture and hay crops such as alfalfa, pasture grasses and silage are often attacked by such pests as armyworm, beef armyworm, alfalfa caterpillar, European skipper, a variety of loopers and webworms, as well as yellowstriped armyworms.

Fruit and vine crops such as apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, quince almonds, chestnuts, filberts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, citrus, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, currants, loganberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes, avocados, bananas, kiwi, persimmons, pomegranate, pineapple, tropical fruits are often susceptible to attack and defoliation by achema sphinx moth, amorbia, armyworm, citrus cutworm, banana skipper, blackheaded fireworm, blueberry leafroller, cankerworm, cherry fruitworm, citrus cutworm, cranberry girdler, eastern tent caterpillar, fall webworm, fall webworm, filbert leafroller, filbert webworm, fruit tree leafroller, grape berry moth, grape leaffolder, grapeleaf skeletonizer, green fruitworm, gummosos-batrachedra commosae, gypsy moth, hickory shuckworm, hornworms, loopers, navel orangeworm, obliquebanded leafroller, omnivorous leafroller. omnivorous looper, orange tortrix, orangedog, oriental fruit moth, pandemis leafroller, peach twig borer, pecan nut casebearer, redbanded leafroller, redhumped caterpillar, rougliskinned cutworm, saltmarsh caterpillar, spanworm, tent caterpillar, thecla-thecla basillides, tobacco budworm, tortrix moth, tufted apple budmoth, variegated leafroller, walnut caterpillar, western tent caterpillar, and yellowstriped armyworm.

Field crops such as canola/rape seed, evening primrose, meadow foam, corn (field, sweet, popcorn), cotton, hops, jojoba, peanuts, rice, safflower, small grains (barley, oats, rye, wheat, etc.), sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, and tobacco are often targets for infestation by insects including armyworm, asian and other corn borers, banded sunflower moth, beet armyworm, bollworm, cabbage looper, corn rootworm (including southern and western varieties), cotton leaf perforator, diamondback moth, european corn borer, green cloverworm, headmoth, headworm, imported cabbageworm, loopers (including Anacamptodes spp.), obliquebanded leafroller, omnivorous leaftier, podworm, podworm, saltmarsh caterpillar, southwestern corn borer, soybean looper, spotted cutworm, sunflower moth, tobacco budworm, tobacco hornworm, velvetbean caterpillar,

Bedding plants, flowers, ornamentals, vegetables and container stock are frequently fed upon by a host of insect pests such as armyworm, azalea moth, beet armyworm, diamondback moth, ello moth (hornworm), Florida fern caterpillar, Io moth, loopers, oleander moth, omnivorous leafroller, omnivorous looper, and tobacco budworm.

Forests, fruit, ornamental, and nut-bearing trees, as well as shrubs and other nursery stock are often susceptible to attack from diverse insects such as bagworm, blackheaded budworm, browntail moth, California oakworm, douglas fir tussock moth, elm spanworm, fall webworm, fuittree leafroller, greenstriped mapleworm, gypsy moth, jack pine budworm, mimosa webworm, pine butterfly, redhumped caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, saddle prominent caterpillar, spring and fall cankerworm, spruce budworm, tent caterpillar, tortrix, and western tussock moth. Likewise, turf grasses are often attacked by pests such as armyworm, sod webworm, and tropical sod webworm.

Nematode Agricultural Pests

Virtually all field crops, plants, and commercial farming areas are susceptible to attack by one or more nematode pests. Examples of plants subject to nematode attack include, but are not limited to, rice, wheat, maize, cotton, potato, sugarcane, grapevines, cassava, sweet potato, tobacco, soybean, sugar beet, beans, banana, tomato, lettuce, oilseed rape and sunflowers. Nematodes to be controlled using a nematicide containing a mlt nucleic acid or MLT polypeptide include, but are not limited to, plant parasites belonging to the Orders Dorylaimida and Tylenchida. Nematodes which may be controlled by this invention include, but are not limited to Families Longidoridae (e.g., Xiphinema spp. and Longidorus spp.) or Trichodoridae, (e.g., Trichodorus spp. and Paratrichodorus spp), migratory ectoparasites belonging to the Families Anguinidae (e.g., Ditylenchus spp.), Dolichodoridae (Dolichodorus spp.) and Belenolaimidae (e.g., Belenolaimus spp. and Trophanus spp).; obligate parasites belonging to the -Families Pratylenchidae (e.g., Pratylenchus spp., Radopholus spp. and Nacobbus spp), Hoplolaimidae (e.g., Helicotylenchus spp., Scutellonema spp. and Rotylenchulus spp.), Heteroderidae (e.g., Heterodera spp., Globodera spp., Meloidogyne spp. and Meloinema spp.), Criconematidae (e.g., Croconema spp., Criconemella spp. Hemicycliophora spp.), and Tylenchulidae (e.g., Tylenchulus spp., Paratylenchulus spp. and Tylenchocriconema spp.); and parasites belonging to the Families Aphelenchoididae (e.g., Aphelenchoides spp., Bursaphelenchus spp. and Rhadinaphelenchus spp.) and Fergusobiidae (e.g., Fergusobia spp.).

Insecticidal or Nematicidal Compositions and Methods of Use

In one preferred embodiment, the MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor compositions disclosed herein are useful as insecticides or nematicides for topical and/or systemic application to field crops, grasses, fruits and vegetables, lawns, trees, and/or ornamental plants. Alternatively, a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor disclosed herein may be formulated as a spray, dust, powder, or other aqueous, atomized or aerosol for killing an Ecdysozoan (e.g., an insect, or nematode) or controlling an Ecdysozoan population. The MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor compositions disclosed herein may be used prophylactically, or alternatively, may be administered to an environment once target Ecdysozoans have been identified in the particular environment to be treated.

Regardless of the method of application, the amount of the active polypeptide component(s) is applied at a biocidally-effective amount, which will vary depending on such factors as, for example, the specific target Ecdysozoan to be controlled, the specific environment, location, plant, crop, or agricultural site to be treated, the environmental conditions, and the method, rate, concentration, stability, and quantity of application of the biocidally-active polypeptide composition. The formulations may also vary with respect to climatic conditions, environmental considerations, and/or frequency of application and/or severity of insect infestation.

The insecticide and nematicide compositions described may be made by formulating the isolated MLT protein with the desired agriculturally-acceptable carrier. The compositions may be formulated prior to administration in an appropriate means such as lyophilized, freeze-dried, desiccated, or in an aqueous carrier, medium or suitable diluent, such as saline or other buffer. The formulated compositions may be in the form of a dust or granular material, a suspension in oil (vegetable or mineral), water, or oil/water emulsion, or as a wettable powder, or in combination with any other carrier material suitable for agricultural application. Suitable agricultural carriers can be solid or liquid and are well known in the art. An agriculturally-acceptable carrier includes but is not limited to, for example, adjuvants, inert components, dispersants, surfactants, tackifiers, and binders, that are ordinarily used in insecticide or nematicide formulation technology. Such carriers are well known to those skilled in insecticide or nematicide formulation. The formulations may be mixed with one or more solid or liquid adjuvants and prepared by various means, e.g., by homogeneously mixing, blending and/or grinding the insecticidal composition with suitable adjuvants using conventional formulation techniques.

Oil Flowable Suspensions

In a preferred embodiment, the insecticide or nematicide composition comprises an oil flowable suspension comprising a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, or bacterial cell expressing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial cells are B. thuringiensis or E. coli, but any bacterial host cell expressing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor may be useful. Exemplary bacterial species include B. thuringiensis, B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Salmonella spp., Agrobacterium spp., or Pseudomonas spp.

Water-Dispersible Granules

In another important embodiment, the insecticide composition comprises a water dispersible granule. This granule comprises a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, or bacterial cell expressing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial cells are B. thuringiensis or E. coli, but other bacteria such as B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Salmonella spp., Agrobacterium spp., or Pseudomonas spp. cells transformed with a DNA segment disclosed herein and expressing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor are also contemplated to be useful.

Powders, Dusts, and Spore Formulations

For some applications, the insecticide composition comprises a wettable powder, dust, spore crystal formulation, cell pellet, or colloidal concentrate. This powder comprises a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, or a bacterial cell expressing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. Preferred bacterial cells are B. thuringiensis or E. coli, however, bacterial cells such as those of other strains of B. thuringiensis, or cells of strains of bacteria such as B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. coli, Salmonella spp., Agrobacterium spp., or Pseudomonas spp., may also be transformed with one or more mlt nucleic acid. Such dry forms of the insecticidal compositions may be formulated to dissolve immediately upon wetting, or alternatively, dissolve in a controlled-release, sustained-release, or other time-dependent manner. Such compositions may be applied to, or ingested by, the target insect, and as such, may be used to control the numbers of insects, or the spread of such insects in a given environment.

Aqueous Suspensions and Bacterial Cell Filtrates or Lysates

For some applications, the insecticide or nematicide composition comprises an aqueous suspension of bacterial cells, or an aqueous suspension of bacterial cell lysates or filtrates, etc., containing a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. Such aqueous suspensions may be provided as a concentrated stock solution which is diluted prior to application, or alternatively, as a diluted solution ready-to-apply.

The insecticidal or nematicidal compositions comprise intact bacterial cells expressing a mlt nucleic acid or polypeptide. These compositions may be formulated in a variety of ways. They may be employed as wettable powders, granules or dusts, by mixing with various inert materials, such as inorganic minerals (phyllosilicates, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, and the like) or botanical materials (powdered corncobs, rice hulls, walnut shells, and the like). The formulations may include spreader-sticker adjuvants, stabilizing agents, other pesticidal additives, or surfactants. Liquid formulations may be aqueous-based or non-aqueous and employed as foams, suspensions, emulsifiable concentrates, or the like. The ingredients may include Theological agents, surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersants, or polymers.

Alternatively, the novel insecticidal or nematicidal polypeptides may be prepared by native or recombinant bacterial expression systems in vitro and isolated for subsequent field application. Such protein may be either in crude cell lysates, suspensions, colloids, etc., or alternatively may be purified, refined, buffered, and/or further processed, before formulating in an active biocidal formulation. Likewise, under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to isolate a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor from the bacterial cultures expressing the MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor and apply solutions, suspensions, or colloidal preparations of such nucleic acids or proteins as the active bioinsecticidal composition.

Multitfunctional Formulations

In some embodiments, when the control of multiple Ecdysozoan species is desired, the insecticidal or nematicidal formulations described herein may comprise one or more chemical pesticides, (such as chemical pesticides, nematicides, fungicides, virucides, microbicides, amoebicides, insecticides, etc.), and/or one or MLT polypeptides, mlt nucleic acids, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors. The insecticidal polypeptides may also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as fertilizers, weed killers, cryoprotectants, surfactants, detergents, insecticidal soaps, dormant oils, polymers, and/or time-release or biodegradable carrier formulations that permit long-term dosing of a target area following a single application of the formulation. In addition, the formulations may be prepared in edible baits or fashioned into insect or nematode traps to permit feeding or ingestion by a target Ecdysozoan of the biocide formulation.

The insecticidal compositions of the invention may also be used in consecutive or simultaneous application to an environmental site singly or in combination with one or more additional insecticides, pesticides, chemicals, fertilizers, or other compounds.

Application Methods and Effective Rates

The insecticidal or nematicidal compositions of the invention are applied to the environment of the target Ecdysozoan, typically onto the foliage of the plant or crop to be protected, by conventional methods, preferably by spraying. The strength and duration of application will be set with regard to conditions specific to the particular pest(s), crop(s) to be treated and particular environmental conditions. The proportional ratio of active ingredient to carrier will naturally depend on the chemical nature, solubility, and stability of the insecticidal composition.

Other application techniques, including dusting, sprinkling, soil soaking, soil injection, seed coating, seedling coating, foliar spraying, aerating, misting, atomizing, fumigating, aerosolizing, and the like, are also feasible and may be required under certain circumstances such as e.g., insects that cause root or stalk infestation, or for application to delicate vegetation or ornamental plants. These application procedures are also well-known to those of skill in the art.

The insecticidal or nematicidal compositions of the present invention may also be formulated for preventative or prophylactic application to an area, and may in certain circumstances be applied to pets, livestock, animal bedding, or in and around farm equipment, barns, domiciles, or agricultural or industrial facilities, and the like.

The concentration of an insecticidal or nematicidal composition that is used for environmental, systemic, topical, or foliar application will vary widely depending upon the nature of the particular formulation, means of application, environmental conditions, and degree of biocidal activity. Typically, the biocidal, insecticidal, or nematicidal composition will be present in the applied formulation at a concentration of at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 99% by weight. Dry formulations of MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor compositions may be from about 1% to about 99% or more by weight of the nucleic acid or polypeptide composition, while liquid formulations may generally comprise from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 99% or more of the active ingredient by weight.

In the case of compositions in which intact bacterial cells that contain at least one MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor are included, preparations will generally contain from about 10⁴ to about 10⁸ cells/mg, although in certain embodiments it may be desirable to utilize formulations comprising from about 10² to about 10⁴ cells/mg, or when more concentrated formulations are desired, compositions comprising from about 10⁸ to about 10¹⁰ or 10¹¹ cells/mg may also be formulated. Alternatively, cell pastes, spore concentrates, MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor concentrates may be prepared that contain the equivalent of from about 10¹² to 10¹³ cells/mg of the active polypeptide, and such concentrates may be diluted prior to application.

The insecticidal or nematicidal formulation described above may be administered to a particular plant or target area in one or more applications as needed, with a typical field application rate per hectare ranging on the order of about 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 g/hectare of active ingredient, or alternatively, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 g/hectare may be utilized. In certain instances, it may even be desirable to apply the insecticidal or nematicidal formulation to a target area at an application rate of about 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 g/hectare or even as much as 7500, 10,000, or 15,000 g/hectare of active ingredient.

MLT Polypeptide Insecticides and Nematicides

As discussed above, MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, and RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor are useful, for example, for inhibiting molting in an Ecdysozoan (e.g., a parasitic insect or nematode). Such nucleic acids and polypeptides may be, for example, applied ectopically or administered systemically to a plant at a level that is sufficient to inhibit insect or nematode infestation in the plant. Evaluation of the level of insect or nematode protection conferred to a plant by application or administration of a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is determined according to conventional methods and assays.

In one embodiment, a plant is contacted with a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor present in an excipient, such that a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is present in or on the plant (e.g., in or on the roots, leaves, stems, fruit, flowers, or vegetative tissues). A parasitic insect or nematode is introduced to the plant under controlled conditions (for example, standard levels of temperature, humidity, and/or soil conditions). After a period of incubation sufficient to allow the growth and reproduction of a harmful insect or nematode on a control plant not contacted with a MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor, insects, nematodes, or their progeny are evaluated for their level of growth, viability, or reproduction according to conventional experimental methods. For example, the number of insects, nematodes, or their progeny is recorded every twenty-four hours for seven days, fourteen days, twenty-one days, or twenty-eight days or longer after inoculation. From these data, levels of inhibition of harmful insects or nematodes are determined. MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors that inhibit the growth, viability, or reproduction of a harmful insect or nematode are taken as being useful in the invention. In another embodiment, the level of plant damage is determined according to standard methods on the plant contacted with the MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor relative to a control plant not contacted with the MLT polypeptide, mlt nucleic acid, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor. MLT polypeptides, mlt nucleic acids, or RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitors that inhibit plant damage are taken to be useful in the methods of the invention.

Other Embodiments

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that variations and modifications may be made to the invention described herein to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

All publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each independent publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 

1. A method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting, said method comprising: (a) providing a cell expressing a mlt nucleic acid molecule or an ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule; (b) contacting said cell with a candidate compound; and (c) comparing the expression of said nucleic acid molecule in said cell contacted with said candidate compound with the expression of said nucleic acid molecule in a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, wherein an alteration in said expression identifies said candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cell expresses a mlt nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, F10C1.5.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916 AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said cell is a nematode cell.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said method identifies a compound that decreases transcription of said mlt nucleic acid molecule.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said method identifies a compound that decreases translation of an mRNA transcribed from said mlt nucleic acid molecule.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is a member of a chemical library.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is carried out in a nematode.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan, said method comprising: (a) providing a cell expressing a MLT polypeptide; (b) contacting said cell with a candidate compound; and (c) comparing the biological activity of said MLT polypeptide in said cell contacted with said candidate compound to a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, wherein an alteration in said biological activity of said MLT polypeptide identifies said candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said cell is a nematode cell.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein said cell is a mammalian cell.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein said MLT polypeptide is a protease.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein said biological activity is monitored with an enzymatic assay or an immunological assay.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein said cell is in a nematode and said biological activity is monitored by detecting molting. BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM 057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 21. A method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts molting, said method comprising: (a) contacting a nematode with a candidate compound; and (b) comparing molting in said nematode contacted with said candidate compound to a control nematode not contacted with said candidate compound, wherein an alteration in said molting identifies said candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting in a nematode.
 22. A method of identifying a candidate compound that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting, said method comprising: a) contacting a cell comprising a mlt nucleic acid regulatory region fused to a detectable reporter gene with an candidate compound; b) detecting the expression of the reporter gene; and c) comparing said reporter gene expression in said cell contacted with said candidate compound with a control cell not contacted with said candidate compound, wherein an alteration in the expression of the reporter gene identifies the candidate compound as a compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said alteration is an alteration of at least 10% in the timing or level of expression of said reporter gene relative to the timing of expression in a control nematode not contacted with said candidate compound.
 24. (canceled)
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein said alteration is an alteration in the cellular expression pattern of said reporter gene relative to the cellular expression pattern in a control nematode not contacted with said candidate compound.
 26. A method for identifying a candidate compound that disrupts Ecdysozoan molting, said method comprising: (a) contacting a MLT polypeptide with a candidate compound; and (b) detecting binding of said candidate compound to said MLT polypeptide, wherein said binding identifies said candidate compound as a candidate compound that disrupts molting in an Ecdysozoan.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said compound is a member of a chemical library.
 28. An isolated RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprising at least a portion of a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule of an organism, or its complement, said mlt nucleic acid molecule being selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B 11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E 11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of said mlt nucleic acid molecule, wherein said RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is capable of hybridizing to a naturally occurring mlt nucleic acid molecule and decreasing expression of said mlt nucleic acid molecule in said organism.
 29. The RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor of claim 28, wherein said RNA is a double stranded RNA molecule that decreases expression in said organism by at least 10%.
 30. The RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor of claim 28, wherein said RNA molecule is an antisense nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to at least six nucleotides of said mlt nucleic acid molecule and decreases expression in said organism by at least 10%.
 31. The RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor of claim 28, wherein said RNA molecule is an siRNA molecule that comprises at least 20 nucleic acids of said mlt nucleic acid molecule and decreases expression in said organism by at least 10%.
 32. The RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor of claim 27, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709 AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 33. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 32 positioned for expression. 34-36. (canceled)
 37. A method for reducing a parasitic nematode infection in an organism, said method comprising contacting said organism with an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor that comprises at least a portion of a mlt nucleic acid molecule, or its complement, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G1.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of said nucleic acid molecule, in an amount sufficient to reduce said parasitic nematode infection in said organism.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM 057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein said RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is a double stranded RNA molecule that comprises at least 20 nucleic acids of a mlt nucleic acid molecule of claim 37 and is capable of hybridizing to a mlt nucleic acid molecule under high stringency conditions, and is capable of decreasing expression of the nucleic acid molecule in said organism with which it shares identity by at least 10%.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein said RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is an antisense nucleic acid molecule that is complementary to at least six nucleotides of a mlt nucleic acid molecule of claim 37, and is capable of hybridizing to a mlt nucleic acid molecule under high stringency conditions and is capable of decreasing expression by at least 10% from the nucleic acid molecule to which it is complementary.
 41. The method of claim 37, wherein said RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor is an siRNA molecule that comprises at least 20 nucleic acids of a mlt nucleic acid molecule of claim 37, and is capable of hybridizing to a mlt nucleic acid molecule under high stringency conditions and is capable of decreasing expression by at least 10% from the nucleic acid molecule with which it shares identity
 42. The method of claim 37, wherein said organism is a mammal.
 43. The method of claim 37, wherein said mammal is a domestic mammal or human. 44-49. (canceled)
 50. An insecticide including an insecticide excipient and an ortholog of a MLT polypeptide or portion thereof, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, that disrupts insect molting by at least 10%.
 51. The insecticide of claim 50, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 52. An insecticide including an insecticide excipient and an ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule or portion thereof, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B 11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, that disrupts insect molting by at least 10%.
 53. The composition of claim 52, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM_(—)079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 54. An insecticide including an insecticide excipient and an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprising at least a portion of an insect ortholog of a mlt nucleic acid molecule, or its complement, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, that disrupts insect molting by at least 10%.
 55. The composition of claim 52, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AY060635, NM_(—)143476, AC008339, L02793, NM_(—)079167, J02727, NM_(—)139674, NM 079763, NM_(—)057268, NM_(—)137449, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)080132, NM_(—)132335, AJ487018, NM_(—)080072, AY094832, NM_(—)057520, NM_(—)136653, NM_(—)078644, AY075331, M90806, NM_(—)079419, NM_(—)080092, AAF51201, NM_(—)057698, NM_(—)134578, AY071265, AY060235, NM_(—)078577, NM_(—)057621, AY089504, NM_(—)135238, X78577, AY118647, NM_(—)140652, AY113364, NM_(—)079972, X58374, NM_(—)132550, AY052122 AY060893, AY058709, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 56. A nematicide including a nematicide excipient and a MLT polypeptide or portion thereof, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B 12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y11B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77 μl A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of said polypeptide that disrupts nematode molting by at least 10%.
 57. The nematicide of claim 56, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 58. A nematicide including a nematicide excipient and a mlt nucleic acid molecule or portion thereof, selected from the group consisting B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y11B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of said nucleic acid molecule that disrupts nematode molting by at least 10%.
 59. The nematicide of claim 58, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807.
 60. A nematicide including a nematicide excipient and an RNA mlt nucleic acid inhibitor comprising at least a portion of a mlt nucleic acid molecule, or its complement, selected from the group consisting of B0024.14, C01H6.5, C09G5.6, C11H1.3, C17G1.6, C23F12.1, B0272.5, C34G6.6, C37C3.3, C42D8.5, C45B2.7, CD4.4, CD4.6, D1054.15, F08C6.1, F09B12.1, F11C1.6, F16H9.2, F18A1.3, F18C12.2, F20G4.1, F25B4.6, F29D11.1, F33A8.1, F33C8.3, F38H4.9, F40G9.1, F41C3.4, F41H10.7, F45G2.5, F49C12.12, F52B11.3, F53B8.1, F53G12.3, F54A5.1, F54C9.2, F56C11.1, F57B9.2, H04M03.4, H19M22.1, K04F10.4, K05C4.1, K06B4.5, K07C5.6, K07D8.1, K08B4.1, K09H9.6, M03F4.7, M03F8.3, M162.6, M6.1, M88.6, R05D11.3, R07E4.6, R11G11.1, T01C3.1, T01H3.1, T05C12.10, T14F9.1, T19B10.2, T23F2.1, T24H7.2, T27F2.1, W01F3.3, W08F4.6, W09B6.1, W10G6.3, Y111B2A.14, Y37D8A.10, Y38F2AL.3, Y48B6A.3, ZC101.2, ZK1073.1, ZK1151.1, ZK262.8, ZK270.1, ZK430.8, ZK686.3, ZK783.1, ZK970.4, C09F12.1, C09H10.2, C17H12.14, C37C3.2, C37C3.3, D2085.1, EEED8.5, F10E9.7, F19F10.9, F28F8.5, F32D1.2, F35H10.4, F41E7.1, F42A8.1, F54B3.3, F55A3.3, F56F3.5, H06I04.4a, K06A4.6, K10D6.1, R06A10.1, T07D10.1, Y17G7A.2, Y23H5A.7, Y38F2AL.3, Y41D4B.21, Y41D4B.5, Y41D4B.5, Y45F10B.5, Y55H10A.1, ZK1236.3, ZK265.5, ZK265.6, ZK652.1, Y54E10BR.5, B0513.1, R06A4.9, Y105E8B.1, Y47D3B.1, Y54F10AL.2, T17H7.3, H27M09.5, F45E10.2, F25H8.6, K04A8.6, ZC13.3, T19A5.3, F32D8.6, F53F4.3, F56C9.12, T25B9.10, ZK154.3, Y37D8A.19, Y37D8A.21, Y71F9AL.7, Y51H1A.3, W03F9.10, ZK945.2, ZK637.4, C30F8.2, F32H2.9, Y87G2A.5, Y53F4B.22, Y77E11A.13, C15H11.7, Y113G7B.23, C53H9.1, W09C5.6, T24B8.1, Y71A12B.1, C26C6.3, C42D8.5, F53G12.3, Y41D4B.10, and F10C1.5, or an ortholog of said nucleic acid molecule that disrupts nematode molting by at least 10%.
 61. The nematicide of claim 60, wherein said ortholog is selected from the group consisting of M90806, NM_(—)134578, AY075331, BG310588, BE758466, BG227161, BM346811, BG226227, BF169279, BE580288, BG893621, BQ625515, BI746672, AA471404, BE579677, BI500192, BI782938, BI073876, BF060055, AI723670, BI746256, BM882137, BM277122, BM880769, BI501765, BE581131, AI539970, BE580231, BE238916, AA161577, CAAC01000016, BI744615, BG224680, AW114337, BM281377, BU585500, BG577863, BQ091075, AW257707, BF014893, BQ613344, CAAC01000088, BG735742, CAAC01000028, AA110597, BI863834, AI987143, BI782814, BI744849, and BG735807. 62-67. (canceled) 